Minneapolis residents can expect an eclectic mix of showers and thunderstorms this week, with periods of heavy rainfall, particularly along the I-90 corridor. The National Weather Service forecasts a 50 percent chance of rain today, mostly after 2 p.m., accompanied by areas of smoke and a high temperature near 75 degrees. This evening, the likelihood of precipitation holds at 40 percent, with potential thunderstorms after 4 a.m.
The uncertain embrace of showers, and thunderstorms extends into Thursday, with a predicted 60 percent chance of wet weather after 1 p.m., and smoke blanketing the area. The weather outlook suggests mostly cloudy skies, with east winds at 5 to 10 mph, and new rainfall amounting between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, though thunderstorms could deliver higher totals. Come nightfall, showers and possible thunderstorms are set to continue, with heavy rainfalls between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Leading into the weekend, Friday's forecast includes a continued likelihood of showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1 p.m., followed by a mere chance of showers later in the day. A partly sunny Saturday comes as a slight reprieve with a high near 71 and a 20 percent chance of nighttime showers after 1 a.m. The rain risk persists into the next week, with Sunday seeing a 20 percent chance of showers in the afternoon, followed by a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms by evening.
As we head into Monday, storms are again "likely," as the Hazardous Weather Outlook released by the National Weather Service warns of heavy rain potential along the southern Minnesota border. A pattern of weather is set to unfold through the following week, with thunderstorms making a comeback late Sunday and persisting into the early part of next week.
Residents should stay informed and prepared, as the weather can impact travel, outdoor activities, and could lead to localized flooding concerns. While SKYWARN spotter activation is not currently anticipated, updates on the weather conditions are crucial for those planning to navigate the potentially tumultuous conditions in Minneapolis and the surrounding areas.
