Minnesota’s reverse lake-effect visible from space
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
Reverse Lake-Effect
Tuesday's skies offered some puffy cumulus development over woods and prairie. But cooler water over the big lakes across Minnesota suppresses the rising thermals that promote cumulus development. The "reverse lake-effect" phenomenon was clearly visible from space Tuesday afternoon. Here's NASA's MODIS Terra 250-meter resolution shot. I've taken the liberty to highlight a few key features.
Now watch the lakes work on the cumulus zone in motion with NOAA's 1 km visible loop. Pretty cool stuff. Textbook.
Dry around the edges
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.
June rainfall is above average so far in the eastern part of Minnesota. Most of eastern Minnesota has recorded 3" to 4"+ rainfall totals this month. But it's been dry out west, with just half an inch recorded this month in Minnesota's western baby bump around Ortonville and Browns Valley.
Northwest flow continues
Minnesota's weather this week continues to be dominated by a weak northwest flow. That means cooler and generally drier air masses, with a punctuating cool front drifting south with spotty shower coverage Thursday. Friday's inbound high pressure cell is even cooler and drier, and sets up a very pleasant start to the big 4th of July weekend.
NOAA's NAM 4 km simulated radar tracks the spotty T-Shower line drifting south across Minnesota Thursday.
Here's the European model breakdown of events into next week. The best chance for a welcome shower arrives Thursday, and again next Tuesday with a chance on the evening of the 4th?
Stay tuned as we refine timing on any rain chances approaching on the 4th and 5th.