Forecast: Fall color and rain

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Minnesota DNR fall color map shows colors increasing rapidly around Minnesota.

It looks like a good weekend for leaf peepers, but you'll have to pick your spot.

The latest Minnesota DNR Fall Color Report shows color increasing to 50% to 75% near Willmar in central Minnesota. Most areas are still showing between 25% to 50% color. In the metro things are just getting going with splashes of 10% to 25% color as of mid-week. Cooler weather in the forecast should help accelerate color changes next week.

Weekend forecast: Timing is everything.

It looks like you'll have to be in the right place at the right time this weekend for outdoor activities. A meandering cut-off low has been spinning west of Minnesota this week. It looks like the upper winds will pick it up and send it our way again by Friday. Here's a breakdown of what to expect through this weekend.

Today: Scattered showers in southern Minnesota may reach as far north as the metro at times. Otherwise look for mixed clouds and sun south, with mostly sunny skies central and north. Highs in the 60s far north and along Lake Superior with 70s elsewhere.

Friday: Rain and thunderstorms south moving into central Minnesota. Rain should spread into the metro by lunchtime. Some areas could pick up rainfall of half an inch or more. Highs generally in the 60s.

Saturday: Spotty rain east, clearing west. Highs in the 60s.

Sunday: Breezy and mild ahead of the season's first strong cold front. Look for highs in the 70s south and east. Much cooler northwest with highs only in the 50s. It looks like the front may blow into the metro late Sunday afternoon or evening with gusty northwest winds and falling temperatures. By Sunday night, you'll feel the change and know this front means fall weather is on the way.

Brisk early next week with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s in the metro.

PH