Residents in Minneapolis and parts of central and southern Minnesota, as well as western central Wisconsin, should brace for a spate of hazardous weather starting today, as showers and thunderstorms are forecasted to sweep through the area. According to the National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen, MN, there's an 80 percent chance of precipitation today with possible heavy rainfall before 4pm and a subsequent risk of severe storms in far southern Minnesota later in the day, which may deliver damaging winds and potential tornadoes.
The weather outlook doesn't seem to be letting up, with cloudy skies tonight and a 30 percent chance of rain, while Friday is expected to be mostly cloudy and Saturday's forecast anticipates a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms post 1pm; the skies promise some reprieve though, turning partly cloudy Friday night with a slight calming in wind conditions, according to the latest from the National Weather Service.
Looking at the weekend, the Hazardous Weather Outlook alerts of possible strong to severe storms Saturday night into Sunday, so anyone planning outdoor activities should keep an eye on the sky and remain vigilant. This turbulent weather pattern is likely to continue with a 60 percent chance of precipitation Saturday night and a 50 percent chance on Sunday, while the new week may introduce sporadic chances of showers and thunderstorms through Wednesday.
Community safety officials are keeping a close watch, and alert systems will be enacted if severe weather escalates—the National Weather Service mentions that "SKYWARN spotter activation may be needed today and over the weekend" it's pertinent that residents heed warnings and prepare for potential emergency situations, moreover, winds are expected to oscillate with a general northwest trend coming in around 5 to 10 mph, while daytime temperatures may peak near the mid-80s to upper-80s by Saturday, before gradually settling in the low-80s heading into the new week.
