Minneapolis is starting Wednesday under clear skies and temperatures near 54 degrees, but the morning chill will quickly give way to a sunny afternoon near 72. The bigger shift is ahead: after a cooler Thursday, the Twin Cities are headed for an unusually warm, breezy Saturday, with rainfall chances in place early the following week.
Sunshine Gives Way To A Breezy Afternoon
Wednesday will stay dry, with afternoon gusts of 20 to 25 mph. The National Weather Service says the combination of warm temperatures, dry air and gusty winds will keep elevated fire-weather concerns in place, especially across western Minnesota.
Wednesday night will turn partly cloudy, with a low near 49, before Thursday brings mostly sunny skies and a high around 67. The local forecast lists no active watches, warnings or advisories for Minnesota or Wisconsin, according to the National Weather Service.
Weekend Warmup Comes With Strong Winds
Friday should be mostly sunny and warmer, with a high in the upper 60s, followed by Saturday’s forecast high in the lower 80s. Saturday will bring SSW winds of 15 to 20 knots, with gusts to 30 knots, or about 35 mph.
That is a notable escalation from the setup outlined in Tuesday’s Hoodline forecast, turning the weekend into more than a one-day warm spell. Anyone planning outdoor work or using a grill should account for the gusts and dry conditions, particularly around grass, leaves and other easily ignited material.
Rain Chances Return Early Next Week
Sunday remains mostly sunny, with a high near 72. Rainfall chances remain in place for early the following week.
Monday night is expected to have a low near 49, while Tuesday brings a cooler high near 59. Until then, Minneapolis gets several more dry days and one very warm October weekend.
