Minneapolis residents should prepare for a stormy end to their week. The National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN has issued a forecast that suggests a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 pm today, with a high near 84 degrees. The southsouthwest wind will blow at 10 to 15 mph, carrying with it new rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, although this could increase in thunderstorms.
Tonight, the probability of raindrops to 30 percent before 8 pm, but some storms could turn severe. The wind will calm down to 5 to 10 mph as the sky clears, setting a low at around 62 degrees. Friday is expected to be sunny with a high near 82, while Friday night brings a slight chance of showers after 1 am. The forecast from the National Weather Service also highlights a calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph after midnight.
Over the following days, Minnesotans should anticipate a pattern of partly sunny skies and possible showers. Saturday has a 40 percent chance of rain with potential thunderstorms looming, mostly sunny skies, and a high near 82. The southeast wind shifting to the southwest in the afternoon may not deter the 40 percent chance of precipitation during the night. Sunday's forecast suggests a 20 percent chance of showers with mostly cloudy skies and a cooler high of around 66 degrees.
The hazardous weather outlook alert, meanwhile, indicates the potential for significant weather disruptions. "There is a Slight Risk (level 2 of 5) of severe thunderstorms
this afternoon and evening across eastern Minnesota into western Wisconsin," warns the National Weather Service. The anticipated threats from these storms include very large hail, damaging winds, and the possibility of a brief tornado or two. Residents are encouraged to stay alert and tuned to further updates, particularly as SKYWARN spotter activation will likely be needed this afternoon and evening.
Looking ahead to next week, the forecasted weather appears to level off with daily chances of showers lingering at 20 percent from Sunday through Wednesday. Despite the potential for rain, the days are mostly expected to be sunny with highs hovering around 69 degrees, and nights averaging lows around 53 degrees with continued chances of showers.
