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It’s hard to envision fall colors when the temperatures still feel like August. Nevertheless, grab your keys and head out this weekend to see Minnesota’s finest color displays. 

No matter which direction you head, there are plenty of opportunities for some stunning autumn colors. A large part of northern Minnesota is currently experiencing 25-50 percent fall color, except for the Bemidji area, which still has some catching up to do.  

One of my favorite Minnesota destinations, Gooseberry Falls, is this week’s highlighted state park, featuring leaves at 50-75 percent peak color. 

If you're heading to southern Minnesota this weekend, Carley State Park, just outside of Rochester, is showing 25-50 percent peak color.

The unwavering trend of sunshine and warm temperatures continues into the last weekend of September. Highs on Saturday will reach the mid to upper 80s in central and southern Minnesota, while northwestern Minnesota and the North Shore will be slightly cooler, with highs in the upper 70s and low 70s, respectively.

Sunday will feature highs in the lower to mid 80s for central and southern Minnesota. The Iron Range area will be cooler, with temperatures in the upper 60s and 70s, thanks to an easterly wind coming off Lake Superior.

Sunday will be breezier in northwestern Minnesota, with southerly winds gusting over 25 mph ahead of a dry cold front.

Like a broken record, there are once again zero chances for precipitation in the immediate forecast. The cold front arriving early next week is expected to struggle to produce even clouds, much less any rain. 

Enjoy another glorious summer—oops, I mean fall—weekend! 

Mandy Thalhuber

Author

Another week of dry, above-average temperatures and cool nights has enabled the fall colors to transform beautifully. Warm temperatures in the 70s and 80s this weekend, combined with plenty of sunshine, make for a perfect road trip.

Trees with orange, yellow and green leaves near a dirt road. 

Andrew Krueger | MPR News

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

MN DNR

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NOAA

Wind speeds Sunday morning through Monday morning. 

NOAA via Pivotal Weather

Forecast simulated radar for Monday morning through Tuesday morning. 

Friday's fall color update; weekend weather

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