Minneapolis residents should brace for a wet and breezy few days, with consistent rain and strong winds in the imminent forecast. According to the National Weather Service, the city expects heavy precipitation and gusty winds through Thursday, with a 100% chance of rain during daytime and wind speeds escalating to a robust 35 mph.
The city isn't getting a respite anytime soon; Thursday night promises continued gusts and a 30 percent chance of more rain though it’s only predicted before 7 pm, after which the winds may persist even as the rains take a momentary pause the overcast skies sticking around into Friday, adding a gray backdrop to the somber atmosphere the city often knows too well. Breezy conditions will stay on tap for the end of the workweek, with Friday forecasted to be cloudy and a high hovering near a chilly 36 degrees, winds whipping from the west at about 15 mph.
Rounds of showers, a possible thunderstorm, and strong winds are expected today. Winds could gust up to 45 MPH in southern MN. Cold air arrives tonight changing any rain to light snow by Friday. No snow accumulations expected. #mnwx #wiwx pic.twitter.com/xNibh8Pefg
— NWS Twin Cities (@NWSTwinCities) February 8, 2024
As Minneapolitans look forward to the weekend, they may at least find solace in the break from the rain. Forecasts are calling for partly sunny skies on Saturday, with temperatures expected to reach a high near 33 degrees but the wind chill could make it feel much colder, especially during the nighttime lows which are slated to hit around 23 degrees.
Welcome relief seems more probable as the new week sets in, with the weather service promising mostly sunny conditions starting Monday, and a steady climb to highs near the upper 30s, which for Minneapolis residents could feel like the heralding of spring after enduring the city’s frosty climes. Although temperatures at night will still dip down to the low 20s, during the day the communal thaw can begin with a west-southwest wind ushering in the potential for warmer days ahead.
Though the immediate weather conditions pose no serious threats beyond the need for a good umbrella and a sturdy windbreaker, the National Weather Service's Hazardous Weather Outlook underscores the wind's impact, especially around the Interstate 90 corridor, thankfully, weather spotters won’t need to tag in as no hazardous conditions, beyond brisk winds, have warranted their attention.
