Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Fall colors update; weekend outlook

Parts of northern Minnesota at 25-50% peak

Fall colors are seen
Golden leaves are seen along the shoreline from the Baptism River Bridge Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023 near Tettegouche State Park in Lake County, Minn.
Erica Dischino for MPR News

Fall colors are starting to show for parts of Minnesota, thanks to the extended period of above-average temperatures. The weekend outlook indicates spotty shower chances, along with a significant temperature drop expected for Sunday.

Fall colors map updated

There's a significant shift in the fall colors map for northern Minnesota, with areas like the Red River Valley and the Iron Range displaying the most notable changes. The Twin Cities is currently showing at least a little change, with 0-10% leaf color progression. However, areas near Fort Snelling State Park are seeing a bit more, with 10-25% change in leaf color.

Fall colors map 9-20
Fall colors map 9-20
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Bear Head Lake State Park in northeastern Minnesota is at 25-50% leaf color progression, with grasses and flowers at 50-75%.

Bear Head park colors
Bear Head Lake state park
MN DNR

Weekend outlook

If you plan on driving up north to view some of the fall colors, be prepared for spotty rain showers. A cold front will move through late Saturday, bringing isolated showers ahead of it, with southeastern Minnesota having the best chance for rain.

Forecast simulated radar Saturday morning through Saturday evening.
Forecast simulated radar Saturday morning through Saturday evening.
NOAA via Pivotal Weather

Temperatures will vary greatly across the state on Saturday, with highs in the lower 80s for the metro and southeastern Minnesota, while northern regions can expect cooler temperatures in the 60s and 70s.

Highs for Saturday
Highs for Saturday
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Sunday will be a different story with our temperatures dropping to below our average high for the first time in almost two weeks.

Highs for Sunday.
Highs for Sunday.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Despite the cooler temperatures on Sunday, northern Minnesota will enjoy plenty of sunshine. Meanwhile, southern Minnesota will experience increased cloud cover as a system moves by to the south.

Cloud cover Sunday
Cloud cover Sunday
NOAA via College of DuPage Weather

Looking like another great weekend to travel to see some fall foliage!