Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Summer returns; 5th wettest year so far

Former Vice President Al Gore on Climate Cast Friday

NOAA temperature forecast for Minneapolis via Weather Bell
Temperature forecasts for Minneapolis.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, via Weather Bell

Summer is back in Minnesota.

Our refreshingly cool shot of Canadian air this week gives way to southerly breezes. You’ll notice the heat and sticky factor climbing as we hit the weekend. Highs in the mid-80s are back into next week. And dew points in the slightly sticky mid-60s return.

Wet July

July was another wet month in Minnesota. The Twin Cities picked up 6.48 inches of rainfall last month. That’s 2.44 inches above average. The 24.81 inches of precipitation in the Twin Cities makes this the fifth wettest year to date so far.

Drier up north

Central and southern Minnesota have been the primary focus of heavy summer rains. Rainfall coverage has been more spotty in northern Minnesota.

July precipitation across Minnesota
July precipitation across Minnesota
Twin Cities National Weather Service

Climate Cast update

The Climate Reality Project event opens in the Twin Cities Friday and runs through Sunday. They expect 1,200 people to attend this event this weekend.

I’ll be moderating a panel discussion on cities and climate change between St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey at the event Sunday.

Climate Reality Project event in Minneapolis
Climate Reality Project event in Minneapolis Friday through Sunday.
Climate Reality Project

My special Friday Climate Cast interview with former Vice President Al Gore will air around 5:44 p.m. Friday afternoon on All Things Considered.

Tune in Friday for Climate Cast and monitor @MPRWeather for updates.