Minneapolis is starting Thursday with scattered mid- to high-level clouds that lower to mid-level clouds and linger, while a breeze moves through the airport area. Minneapolis is forecast to reach the low to mid-60s; highs closer to 70 are possible at a few sites in southwestern Minnesota. By Monday, showers return and the warmth fades.
Thursday Stays Mild Before The Weekend Surge
Thursday's high is forecast in the low to mid-60s, with closer to 70 possible at a few sites in southwestern Minnesota, under partly sunny skies; at KMSP, WNW winds are forecast at 10 to 15 knots. Rain is essentially off the table, and the National Weather Service lists no watches, warnings or advisories for the area.
Friday looks mostly sunny and warmer, with a high near 74. The NWS aviation outlook gives southeast winds of 10 to 15 knots at KMSP. Friday night stays mostly clear.
Saturday Brings Heat And Strong Gusts
Saturday is the standout: sunny skies, a high near 84 and SSW winds of 15 to 25 knots, with gusts of 30 to 40 mph. The weather service is flagging increasing fire-weather concerns into the weekend because warm temperatures, dry air and strong southerly winds will arrive together.
That is a notable sharpening of the setup described in Wednesday's forecast, with Saturday now looking warmer and gustier. Outdoor plans can still work, but open flames, dry grass and loose patio items will deserve extra caution.
Rain Returns After The Warm Spell
Sunday remains sunny with a high near 81, although clouds increase Sunday night. Monday brings a chance of rain showers, with highs in the 50s to lower 60s.
The outlook for the first half of the week calls for highs in the 50s to lower 60s and lows in the upper 30s to lower 40s.
