Christmas cheer met with a soggy reception as Minneapolis residents woke to a deluge of holiday rain, according to the National Weather Service. The forecast, which promised a 100% chance of precipitation, rang true as grey clouds emptied themselves upon the city, leaving locals navigating puddled streets instead of a winter wonderland on Christmas Day.
The weather service reported, "Rain. Patchy fog before 8 am. High near 51. Breezy, with a north wind of 5 to 10 mph becoming east-northeast 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph." Indeed, the breezy conditions only added to the chill, compelling residents to grab their raincoats and abandon any hope of a white Christmas.
The National Weather Service advised citizens to brace for more inclement weather, as Monday's forecast indicated further rain with lows around 42 degrees and gusty east winds up to 35 mph. This wet outlook precedes a Tuesday that could see temperatures plummet to nearly freezing, suggesting a mix of rain and snow as the city transitions into mid-week.
"Tuesday Rain likely before noon, then a chance of rain and snow. Cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 36 by 5 pm. East wind 5 to 15 mph becoming south in the afternoon," stated the weather service's report. The chance of precipitation remains high at 70%, with little, to no snow accumulation expected to stick. Residents can expect the skies to clear somewhat by Thursday, with the forecast predicting mostly sunny conditions and a high near 40 degrees for the latter part of the week.
While Minneapolis locals might lament the dampened holiday spirits, the city appears set for a gradual return to clearer skies and calmer weather moving into the new year, signaling an end to the Christmas deluge and hope for brighter days ahead.
