Minneapolis residents can anticipate a mix of clear skies and potential showers in the coming week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Today's conditions are sunny with a high near 66, while tonight should remain clear with temperatures dropping to around 44.
Looking ahead to the weekend, the forecast suggests an idyllic Saturday, sunny with a comfortable high near 67. But an eye on the gusty southeast winds may be worth keeping, which are projected to reach 10 to 15 mph and intensify on Saturday night with possible gusts as high as 25 mph.
As we head into Sunday, the weather is expected to take a turn. A 50 percent chance of showers under mostly cloudy skies, and the wind continues to be a feature, blowing strong from the southeast at 15 to 20 mph, with gusts that could top 35 mph. Significant precipitation isn't expected, with new amounts less than a tenth of an inch unless thunderstorms develop, reported the NWS.
Despite potential showers lingering into early Columbus Day, the holiday is predicted to clear up for a sunny high near 61. As skies clear Monday night, the low should hover around 41. With conditions partially sunny by Tuesday and mostly sunny on Wednesday, it seems the rollercoaster of Minnesota weather gives residents a break, albeit with a slim chance of rain showers mid-week.
Yet amid the shifting weather patterns, the fires of concern are not dampened. According to the NWS's Hazardous Weather Outlook, "Northwest winds gusting around 20 mph along with humidity values potentially dropping below 30 percent could lead to a few hours of elevated fire weather conditions for Minnesota Friday afternoon." A similar situation is forecasted for Saturday, particularly in western Minnesota, with southeast winds gusting around 25 mph.
For the duration of the week, no SKYWARN spotter activation is needed, as temperatures and conditions, while variable, do not meet the criteria for severe weather monitoring. Residents should stay tuned to local forecasts and be prepared for the changing weather conditions that are characteristic of this time of year in Minnesota.
