Minneapolis residents might want to keep their umbrellas close and maybe have a plan B for outdoor activities this week. According to the National Weather Service, there's a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 am with conditions expected to clear up, becoming "mostly sunny, with a high near 86" later in the day. Some calm winds will shift from west-northwest in the afternoon, which will throw a slight respite amidst the mugginess.
Tonight, as temperatures take a dip to around 71, the clouds are forecasted to increase, with a gentle southern breeze wafting through after midnight. Thunderstorm chances will persist throughout the week, particularly "a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am" on Tuesday night, rolling into a Wednesday that may bring a "40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms" under mostly sunny skies, as per the Weather Service's forecast.
In a statement from the Hazardous Weather Outlook, "Isolated to scattered thunderstorms will be possible today and tonight" with a mention of "brief heavy downpours" and a low chance for "damaging wind gusts." The rest of the week does not seem to promise clearer skies, as multiple rounds of thunderstorms are expected, some of which could reach severe levels, "with the greatest risk for severe weather coming late in the day on Wednesday into Wednesday night"
While Wednesday might carry the bulk of severe weather potential, Thursday and the weekend are not looking entirely clear either. Thursday offers a "50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms" despite a partly sunny forecast. Moving into Friday, the outlook suggests a return to sunnier days "with a high near 88" and Saturday following suit. However, residents should note, that Sunday may throw in a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. The fluctuating conditions, a testament to the fickle nature of Midwestern summer weather, pose a constant reminder for preparedness. The National Weather Service advises no immediate need for SKYWARN spotter activation, however, Minneapolitans should stay weather-aware through the dynamic week ahead.
