Residents in Minneapolis and the surrounding areas should be keeping an eye on the skies this week, as the weather is expected to make a few noticeable shifts, according to the latest forecasts. The National Weather Service calls for a partly sunny day today with highs near 77 degrees, but as the day progresses, winds from the south could pick up to 15 mph, gusting as high as 25 mph.
Tonight's forecast suggests a 40 percent chance of rain showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m., with mostly cloudy conditions and lows hovering around 63 degrees. Into Tuesday, the likelihood of scattered showers and thunderstorms increases with a 50 percent chance, bringing potential rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, but could rise higher during thunderstorms. The local wind climate will stay mild, with a south southwest wind moving at 5 to 10 mph.
The Hazardous Weather Outlook issued by the National Weather Service emphasizes that while the chance for severe weather today and tonight is low, some storms could produce hail. As we move through the week, the anticipation of clouds breaks somewhat mid-week with mostly sunny conditions forecasted for Wednesday and Thursday, and highs near 76 and 80, respectively.
The chances for showers and thunderstorms begin to rise slowly again by the week's end, with a 20 percent chance Friday night into Saturday. Still, the temperatures are set to comfortably sit in the low to mid-80s. By Sunday, the forecast hints at mostly sunny skies with a high near 81, while the evening could coax down a few more showers and thunderstorms with a persistent but minor 20 percent chance of precipitation, though any would-be storm watchers should remain vigilant as conditions could change. Minneapolis locals and visitors alike should stay informed and could possibly need to adjust any outdoor plans accordingly over the next several days.
