Soaking rain and much cooler weather arrive Tuesday

Minnesota’s recent hot weather comes to a dramatic end as highs in the 90s are replaced by 60s and 70s. This weather pattern change also brings in a couple chances for soaking rain through the end of the week.

Monday was another day of hot weather across Minnesota, with almost all but the northern edge of the state back in the 90s. 

Fortunately, a northwesterly wind flow dropped dew points slightly, except in southern Minnesota where it remained quite humid.

Unfortunately, that wind pattern has also been drawing in smoke from wildfires in Canada, which has north-central and northeastern Minnesota under an air quality alert until 8 a.m. Tuesday morning.

Rain returns Tuesday

Already by Monday evening, a storm starts bringing rain into northwestern Minnesota that moves showers and storms over the entire state Tuesday, before exiting out southeastern Minnesota by early Wednesday.

This will bring tremendously beneficial rain given the drought conditions most of the state is currently experiencing.

The northern edge of the state may see slightly less, but most of Minnesota can expect at least half an inch of rain, with many places, especially in central and southern Minnesota, that may see over an inch.

Although this is primarily a rain event, there could be isolated thunderstorms in southern Minnesota that become severe, with high winds and large hail as the primary risks.

Extended forecast

Tuesday’s storm also brings an end to the recent heat. Much cooler air funnels in along with the storm, and northern Minnesota will only see highs in the 60s Tuesday, while southern Minnesota still clings to a few 80s.

By Wednesday, almost all of the state sees cooler highs in the 70s (and a few spots do not make it out of the 60s), and those highs in the 70s are likely to continue for most of Minnesota through the end of the week. Although that puts us only slightly below average, this will be our first significant stretch of below-average temperatures since the start of summer.

Here is that Twin Cities forecast through Friday:

Another storm system also looks poised to bring showers and storms into the state from late Thursday to early Saturday, with another round of soaking rain possible on Friday. It currently looks like both the heaviest rain and the biggest risk for severe weather with that storm may target southern Minnesota. We will keep you posted on the exact track and any risks as the storm approaches.

Programming note 

You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:49 a.m. Monday through Friday morning.