Minneapolis residents should keep their umbrellas handy and an eye to the sky this week, as forecasters predict a series of stormy conditions for the region. According to the National Weather Service, there's a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms today, mostly before noon, with potential gradual clearing later and a high near 81 degrees. The sentiment continues into the night with partly cloudy conditions and lows around 61.
These unsettled patterns don't seem to be dissipating quickly, as the outlook through Thursday includes multiple rounds of showers and the possibility of thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rainfall. While Tuesday offers a brief respite with a partly sunny forecast and a high around 76, by Tuesday night, the chance of precipitation jumps to 50 percent after 1 a.m., with new rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch, except potentially higher in thunderstorms.
The midweek approach sees no reprieve from the wet conditions, as showers are likely, along with the possibility of a thunderstorm. Wednesday's high is anticipated to be near 74, with an 80 percent chance of precipitation and new rainfall totals stacking up to between a half and three-quarters of an inch. The continuation of these patterns could lead to hazardous weather conditions, as noted by a Hazardous Weather Outlook issued by the National Weather Service.
The weather service's latest statement cautions that "some storms may be strong to severe," particularly this afternoon in southern and eastern Minnesota, extending into western Wisconsin. As the week progresses, showers and thunderstorms are expected to persist, with the Hazardous Weather Outlook explicitly stating that "SKYWARN spotter activation may be needed." This underscores an ongoing vigilance for residents and the potential need for community-based storm reporting activities.
