Forecast: Metro rain, Iron Range snow

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NOAA precipitation forecast cranking out a wet inch plus over of the central U.S.

This is one way to erase a drought.

Another in a series of wet fall weather systems is lighting up radars and soaking Minnesota today. Expect rain most of today into tonight in southern Minnesota and Wisconsin. The rain could pick up in intensity at times, and the forecast models are cranking out between a half inch and an inch of moisture for the Twin Cities.

The rain will change to snow in northern Minnesota today. By afternoon snow will be flying in Ely and the Iron Range cities of Hibbing and Virginia. It looks like 3 to 5 inches could fall in the far north by midnight. A wet inch or two could fall further south toward Brainerd and St. Cloud. Check the surface reports and hourly observations today to as the rain transitions to snow up north.

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Surface analysis shows rain increasing this morning. Expect rainfall intensity to increase as bands from Iowa move northeast today.

Latest Twin Cities radar loop

Twin Cities Nexrad storm total rainfall estimates

Duluth radar with rain/snow line

Our soggy weather maker moves mercifully east on Thursday. This set the stage for sunshine Thursday. Bright sun may linger Friday and Saturday for much of Minnesota before another wet weather system slides in for Sunday. Saturday looks like the best day for one more fall leaf peeping excursion, or to take a crack at power raking some leafs up from you lawn.

The overall jet stream pattern looks more like November this month than October. Forecast models are hinting this morning at the possibility of a significant snowfall by next Wednesday. One thing to keep in mind is that the models are all over the place as they adjust to the seasonal transition this time of year.

Stay dry today, enjoy the sun tomorrow and stay tuned for the chance of snowfall next week!

PH