Flooding threat in southern Minnesota; more storms, heat ahead

The chaotic “ring of fire” weather pattern continues through at least the Fourth of July. While helpful showers will ease Minnesota’s drought conditions, they will throw some challenges into planning around outdoor activities this holiday weekend.

Flash flooding in southeastern Minnesota

Persistent bands of intense and nearly stationary thunderstorms led to some major issues in far southeastern Minnesota Thursday, including the morning closure of Interstate 90. It’s since reopened.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation reported State Highway 43 in Fillmore County near Mabel was closed due to flooding. There was also flooding near the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Lanesboro fish hatchery.

Flash flooding remains a threat in the far southern and southeastern corners of the state even as some drought conditions persist. It’s very likely that many places are nearing 6 inches of rain over the past two days.

Even though extreme heat warnings and advisories were lifted, we will still be close to 90 degrees in many places Thursday. That’s after the clouds break.

There is yet another round of rain for southern Minnesota, between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. Thursday. That’s followed by another wave from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. Friday. That’s really when rivers could start to overflow banks in the Driftless region.

We could also get a severe weather watch for the southwestern corner of the state. A linear band of severe weather could roll through from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday.

Friday doesn’t bring a huge relief to the “ring of fire” pattern, mainly when it comes to rain chances south. There is likely to be some stormy action in parts of Minnesota during the day. There are more predawn storms, too.

What’s really compelling is how much cooler the data now looks for much of Minnesota. It will be a crisp July morning for those heading north toward Lake Superior’s shoreline.

Highs will be in the 70s in parts of northern Minnesota, probably the lower 80s farther south. It’ll be cooler because of the rain threat, but at least there’s less chance of heat stroke.

Rain likely July Fourth

The biggest challenge all week has been forecasting Saturday, the Fourth of July. The weather maps are completely split down the middle on rain.

We don’t foresee this being an all-day rainout anywhere in Minnesota, but we still think the safest bet is to pack rain gear and have alternate plans for the daytime hours on Saturday.

The holiday weekend is also cooler than it once appeared. We’re looking at the upper 70s to lower 80s across most of the state.

Rain finally starts to dissipate on Sunday just before noon.