Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Spotty showers possible; windy and cold Sunday

Highs in the 50s for Sunday with gusty winds

Winds speeds Saturday night into Sunday morning
Winds speeds Saturday night into Sunday morning
NOAA via College of DuPage Weather

Reinforcing cold air will arrive Saturday night, cooling us down for several days. Winds will pick up behind the front, with gusts reaching up to 35 mph. Isolated to scattered rain showers possible this weekend.

Was that rain?!?

Earlier on Saturday, some rainfall was recorded in the central and northern parts of the state.

  • Fertile 0.37 inches

  • Park Rapids 0.23 inches

  • Bemidji 0.15 inches

Many areas received several hundredths of an inch of rain. It’s not much, but at least it’s something.

Precipitation amounts the past 24 hours
Precipitation amounts the past 24 hours
Midwestern Regional Climate Center-MRCC

Another chance for isolated to scattered showers is expected late Saturday into Sunday as an upper-level trough moves southward.

Forecast simulated radar Saturday night into Sunday night
Forecast simulated radar Saturday night into Sunday night
NOAA via College of DuPage Weather

This disturbance will also bring breezy northwesterly winds with gusts exceeding 35 mph, along with cooler Canadian air.

Winds speeds Saturday night into Sunday morning
Winds speeds Saturday night into Sunday morning
NOAA via College of DuPage Weather

Lows tonight are expected to fall into the lower to mid-40s across central and southern Minnesota, while northern areas will see temperatures in the upper 30s to around 40 degrees. However, the breezy winds will add a chill to the air.

Lows for Saturday night
Lows for Saturday night
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

End to our growing season ahead

Several rounds of cool Canadian air this weekend will lead to below-average temperatures from Sunday to Tuesday. The average high is 60°F for the Twin Cities, 55°F for Duluth, 53°F for International Falls, and 60°F for Rochester.

Temperatures Sunday through Tuesday
Temperatures Sunday through Tuesday
NOAA via College of DuPage Weather

With clearing skies and calming winds, overnight temperatures into Tuesday are expected to dip to some of the coolest readings we’ve experienced since April 20th for the Twin Cities.

Low temperatures Tuesday morning
Low temperatures Tuesday morning
NOAA via Pivotal Weather

Some areas of Minnesota have already recorded freezing temperatures at 32 degrees. Northeastern Minnesota saw freezing temperatures in September and early October.

Locations that have seen freezing temperatures
Locations that have seen freezing temperatures
Midwestern Regional Climate Center-MRCC

Warm and wet conditions on the way

The cooler airmass will be short-lived, as temperatures in the 60s and 70s are expected to return by Wednesday and Thursday. A significant shift in our weather pattern will lead to warmer southerly flow, and a more unstable weather pattern. Current forecast models suggest widespread, significant rainfall may occur by next weekend. Given the widespread drought conditions in the state, any precipitation beyond just sprinkles will be welcomed.

drought 10-10
Latest U.S. drought monitor for Minnesota (data valid through October 8, 2024)
National Drought Mitigation Center