Turning wet, windy and much cooler

A pleasant Monday will give way to widespread rain from Tuesday into Wednesday. Blustery winds, scattered thunderstorms and cooler temperatures will complete the picture.

But first, enjoy the rest of Monday. Temperatures have been mild. The winds, which have peaked over 30 mph in the Twin Cities on 12 of the past 13 days, have slackened nicely. There have been scattered light showers in parts of central and northwestern Minnesota.

Two-day storm

This spring storm will be the rainy type, not the soggy snow, tree-branch-breaking type. Some thunderstorms are likely, but the risk of severe weather is limited.

Rain will spread into Minnesota from the southwest Monday night. The main risk of severe weather overnight will be over the Central Plains.

But the marginal risk (level 1 of 5) of severe weather for the 24-hour period ending at 7 a.m. on Tuesday does extend into southwestern Minnesota. The risk there would be mainly for possible hail up to about 1 inch in diameter.

Broad bands of soaking rain with embedded thunderstorms will spread northeastward across Minnesota on Tuesday.

Strong gradient easterly winds will blow all day Tuesday. Wind advisories have been issued for various times during the day. Gusts are likely to exceed 40 mph in many locations and could local exceed 50 mph locally in open areas.

The red flag warnings for dangerous burning conditions in southwestern Minnesota are scheduled to expire at 8 p.m. Monday.

The first band of wind-whipped rain is likely to reach the Twin Cities toward the end of the Tuesday morning commute. A stronger band with heavier rain will arrive in the afternoon and continue into the evening.

The strongest storms in the state are likely to spread from Iowa into southernmost Minnesota later on Tuesday. A marginal risk of severe weather has been posted for the southern two tiers of counties from Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday evening.

Areas of showers and thunderstorm will continue Tuesday night and taper off on Wednesday.

How much rain?

Rainfalls of about an inch or more are likely across much of the southern half of Minnesota. Some areas in the south could get two inches or more.

I think the Twin Cities will pick up somewhere around an inch, with most of it falling later Tuesday afternoon and evening. The northern half of Minnesota will get generally lesser amounts, but enough to help dry soils.

Cooler the rest of the week

Cooler days are coming beginning on Tuesday and continuing thru the weekend. The Twin Cities will probably have high temperatures in the mid-50s Tuesday, but wind and rain will affect your comfort level.

Wednesday should bring just low 50s to the Twin Cities.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday will be a little cooler yet. The Twin Cities could see highs closer to 50.

Sunday should see temperatures beginning to recover.