Weekend looks good for Minnesota fall color hunting

Some of my most fondest memories growing up in Minnesota were the trips my family would take to view the changing fall colors. The crisp air, vibrant reds and oranges, and the smell of the leaves are all part of what makes those memories special.

Fall colors start to surface

As we get further into the month of September, we can start taking a look the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources fall color map.

Currently, there are just some smaller changes happening for northwestern MN near Thief River Falls, St. Louis County in northeastern Minnesota and near the Redwood Falls, New Ulm area of southwestern Minnesota. Here’s the latest map:

With our above-average temperatures, warmer nights, minimal rain and little to no wind, these conditions are expected to lead to some brilliant fall foliage.

Temperatures continue to run 10 to 20 degrees above normal across the state. Forecast models can map out the difference between what’s expected and what is average (temperatures anomalies). We see a long stretch in the forecast of above-average temperatures.

Sunny Friday; rain chances this weekend

Friday expect a quiet, sunny day with highs in the lower to mid-80s.

Minimal precipitation chances are in the forecast this weekend. We will see some moisture from remnants of what was Hurricane Francine moving northward. Very sporadic showers are possible for Saturday, mainly eastern Minnesota into western Wisconsin.

Wind speeds will continue to increase Thursday night into Friday with winds gusting out of the south 20 to 25 mph.

Looks like another weekend with temperatures in the 80s, spotty rain chances, and lots of sunshine! Happy fall color hunting!