Rain and storms wind down, stretch of drier air ahead

A stormy start to Sunday across southern Minnesota will give way to improving conditions Sunday afternoon. Drier weather follows before the next chance for rain arrives early Tuesday.

Stormy start to Sunday

Scattered showers and thunderstorms are moving across parts of Minnesota and western Wisconsin early Sunday morning, with a few storms producing small hail, gusty winds, frequent lightning and heavy rain. Storm coverage will gradually decrease through the morning, with partial clearing developing this afternoon.

The heaviest focus for additional showers and storms through late Sunday morning will be across southern and southwestern Minnesota. While widespread severe weather is not expected, a few storms could become stronger, producing hail and gusty winds.

The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of southern Minnesota under a marginal risk for severe weather, with a slight risk extending across portions of southeastern Minnesota, including Rochester, Owatonna, Albert Lea and Preston.

Temperatures will remain close to seasonal averages through early next week, with highs in the 70s across northern Minnesota and upper 70s to low 80s across southern portions of the state.

The next chance for rain arrives overnight Monday into early Tuesday morning. The front that has lingered across the region will briefly push north again, bringing another round of scattered showers and thunderstorms. A few stronger storms are possible, but the overall severe weather threat looks low.

After Tuesday, much of the upcoming week looks dry. There could be an isolated shower or thunderstorm here or there, but widespread rain is not expected. Cooler Canadian air will move into the region late week, bringing refreshing temperatures in the 70s with overnight lows dipping into the 50s.