Minneapolis residents may want to pack an umbrella this week, as the National Weather Service predicts a string of days with potential showers and thunderstorms. Kicking off with today, there's a slight chance of showers, then an increased chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon, with highs nearing a balmy 86 degrees. "South wind 10 to 15 mph," the National Weather Service notes in the forecast, reflecting conditions that won't require battening down the hatches, but suggest readiness for sudden changes.
When the sun sets, the chance for rain slightly diminishes to 20 percent before 8pm. The temperatures are expected to dip to a modest 69 degrees, carried by a south southeast wind that will continue at a gentle 5 to 10 mph pace. Locals looking forward to clearer skies might find some reprieve on Tuesday, when they can expect sunny weather and highs flirting with the 90-degree mark, paired with a tame south wind hovering around 5 mph.
The nighttime promises to remain partly cloudy with a low settling around 68 degrees, and south winds taking a break, slowing to a whisper after midnight. But the respite from rain will be short-lived; come Wednesday, the likelihood of showers and thunderstorms jumps back to 40 percent after 1pm, even as the sun plays coy in mostly sunny skies and temperatures climb to an agreeable 85 degrees.
The rain risks ramp up Wednesday night, where there's a 50 percent chance of showers and storms, and new rainfall could measure between a tenth and a quarter of an inch—though, those in the company of thunderstorms might see higher amounts. The pattern of partial sun and periodic precipitation is expected to continue through the week, with Thursday bringing a 40 percent chance of rain and temperatures cooling to a high near 79 degrees. "East wind around 5 mph," reports the National Weather Service.
Looking ahead, Friday’s forecast isn't much different, maintaining a 30 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms while temperatures hover around the mid-70s. Evening plans on Friday and through the weekend may fare better, with only a 20 to 30 percent chance of rain and mostly cloudy skies. As for daytime on Saturday and Sunday, attendees of any outdoor events should keep an eye on the sky, with a lingering 20 to 30 percent chance of rain and partly sunny conditions keeping things cool in the low to mid-70s.
