Sunny skies for Sunday, rain chances return Tuesday

After a brisk start to the day, Sunday will turn into a pleasant summer afternoon across the region. A few areas of patchy fog are possible early Sunday morning, mainly along the Minnesota River Valley. Otherwise, sunshine will take over, with afternoon temperatures climbing back into the upper 70s. Winds will also be noticeably lighter than they were Saturday as high pressure settles overhead.

The quiet weather won't last all week. High pressure will begin moving east on Monday, allowing southerly winds to return ahead of the next weak cold front, bringing increased dew points in the 60s to the state.

A few thunderstorms could develop late Sunday night into Monday morning, mainly across southwestern Minnesota.

Best chance for rain comes Tuesday

Tuesday looks like the better chance for showers and thunderstorms as a cold front moves through. The main question is when the front arrives. If the front comes through Tuesday morning, it could limit the chance for stronger storms later in the day. If the front arrives later, a few storms could become strong or even severe. However, rain and storms earlier in the day could weaken the atmosphere and lower the severe weather threat.

The Storm Prediction Center has a marginal risk (level 1 of 5) for severe weather across northeastern Minnesota, eastern Minnesota and into western Wisconsin.

Outside of the storm chances, temperatures will stay fairly typical for late August through the upcoming week. Highs should generally be around 80 degrees in the metro, with overnight lows mainly in the 50s and lower 60s. Up north, temperatures will be in the 70s.

Looking farther ahead, and toward the start of the Minnesota State Fair, the forecast hints at a potentially more active weather pattern next weekend as a series of disturbances moves across the Upper Midwest.