September summer: More 80s ahead; heavy rainfall likely in northern Minnesota

The Summer of ‘22 lingers into September this year.

So far September is running around 3.5 degrees warmer than average in the Twin Cities. Check out the 2022 temperature graph for the Twin Cities below. You can see how temperatures have held relatively steady into early September from the summer temperatures peak.

Also in the image above, notice how the precipitation graph shows 18.38 inches so far this year? That is a full 6 inches below average for the year to date. That’s why parts of the Twin Cities are in a severe drought.

More 80s ahead

It will feel like September up north with highs in the 60s this week. And lows in the 50s mean free AC and comfortable sleeping weather this week.

But summery highs in the 80s are in the forecast for southern Minnesota this week.

Heavy rainfall up north

Wednesday brings another warm (but smoky sky) September day. A low-pressure system will cut into Minnesota’s warm and relatively humid air mass by Thursday. NOAA’s NAM 3 km model cranks up widespread rain and thunder across the northern half of Minnesota Thursday.

Rainfall totals between 1 and 4 inches look common by Friday.

Another shot at 90 next week?

Most forecast models suggest temperatures will remain well above average into early next week. The European model is cranking out temperatures close to 90 degrees for the Twin Cities and southern Minnesota next Monday and Tuesday.

There are signs that temperatures may cool back into the 70s for highs later next week. But upper air patterns and NOAA’s latest 6 to 10-day outlook strongly favor warmer than average temperatures overall through September 23.

Stay tuned.