Cool, cloudy Thursday; much warmer toward the weekend

The low-pressure system that brought prolonged rains on Wednesday has spun off to our east. Trailing behind is a lingering trough that will treat us to some scattered dampness on Thursday.

Light rain and drizzle fell Wednesday night and into Thursday morning in parts of northern and western Minnesota. Light snow has also been falling on the higher elevations of northeastern Minnesota and should accumulate a bit this morning around Isabella.

Twin Cities weather radar has been detecting light rain mainly off to the west around Willmar, Clara City and Renville:

Light rain should diminish during the morning hours Thursday. Then the heating of the day will generate a scattering of showers for Thursday afternoon. Rainfall amounts should be minimal.

Clouds and a gusty northwest wind will limit temperatures Thursday afternoon. Expect high temperatures from the upper 40s in the northeast and southeast corners of the state to the 50s elsewhere. The Twin Cities should have a high around 53.

Severe weather outbreaks likely Thursday and Friday across the South

Numerous thunderstorms, some of them severe, have been ongoing into Thursday morning. The lightning display has been indicative of the extent of the weather action.

The Storm Prediction Center is forecasting significant severe weather of damaging wind, hail and tornadoes on Thursday. There is an enhanced risk of severe storms from Louisiana across most of Mississippi and Alabama into the Florida Panhandle.

The threat of severe weather along with the likelihood of heavy rain will shift farther east and north for Friday.

Lovely Friday in our part of the world

Clearing skies across Minnesota later on Thursday will set the stage for a clear and rather cool start to Friday. Then the sun will do its job and warm us in a hurry. Expect sunny highs on Friday from the upper 50s to the mid 60s. The Twin Cities should warm to a pleasant 62 degrees with a light wind.

Summer-like Saturday

Saturday will feel like summer but without the humidity. High temperatures should be mainly from the 60s to mid 70s. A few spots from west central to southwestern Minnesota might flirt with 80 degrees Saturday afternoon. Twin Cities thermometers should warm to about 72.

There will be the chance of a little rain at times in the far north on Saturday.

Cold front

A cold front will pass through late on Saturday. That will cool us off a bit for Easter Sunday. A few light showers are possible during the day in the instability trailing behind the front.

Here is a look at the expected upcoming weather for southeastern Minnesota:

Looking ahead

Next week should bring us rather seasonable temperatures and maybe a few April showers at times.