Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Showers likely tonight, sunshine back on Saturday

As predicted by a couple of the computer models, the bulk of the rain split over central Minnesota. At 4 p.m., heavy rain was reported at Albert Lea to the south and Benson to the west.

Several weather reporting stations around the Twin Cities metro checked in with a mere 0.02 inch of rainfall today.

On days like today, when we are gathered in the Target Field weather lab the concern is over an on-time start. When there is no rain nearby on the radar, the comment surfaces, "it has to start somewhere."

As I look at the computer models, satellite imagery and surface reports there is some evidence that showers still could dump some locally heavy rain in the Twin Cities metro area overnight.

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Photo:Craig Edwards MPR

Keep your eye on the radar this evening if you are headed out to the Gopher game. Showers are possible, and a thundershower can't be ruled out.

The afternoon satellite imagery depicts a blanket of clouds over much of Minnesota. The overcast sky has kept the temperatures mainly in the upper 60s to middle 70s.

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Image:NOAA/College of Dupage

Late this afternoon a sizable gap in two rain areas is depicted nicely by the radar.

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455 p.m. screen capture. Image:NOAA/Wunderground.com

Once again,  as I assess the forecast products I believe the Rapid Refresh model has what looks to be the best forecast for late tonight. This image is the simulated radar reflectivity at 2 a.m. on Friday.

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Image:NOAA/College of Dupage

Taking a quick look at the latest  Global Forecast System Model, there is a forecast of a burst of thundershowers in northern Minnesota tonight. Rain chances are in the forecast statewide overnight and Friday. In fact, Friday might be more active than today around the Twin Cities.

Sunshine is expected to make an appearance on Saturday and temperatures should climb well into the 70s and perhaps lower 80s.

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As we move through the Holiday weekend more humid air surges into the state and sets the stage for strong to severe thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and night. You'll want to track the forecast closely on Sunday.

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This nice graphical forecast was provided by the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

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September appears to get off to a wet start. Any parent thinking of buying your child a raincoat for the bus stop or is that too old-fashioned?

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Image:NOAA

Have a good Holiday weekend if you are heading out early to extend your trip an extra day.