Feeling fully autumn, then snowflakes mixing with falling leaves

A chilly rain kept the temperatures in the 40s in northern and central Minnesota, while sunshine helped boast the mercury to near 60 in the Twin Cities.  At 3 p.m., temperatures ranged from 41 in Bemidji to 61 in Fairmont.

3 pm. visible
Satelllite image from 3 p.m. CST. Source:NOAA

At mid-afternoon, the band of rain was just encroaching on the northwest fringe of the Twin Cities Metro area.

intellicast radar
Source: Intellicast.com

Precipitation will continue to spread east this evening and push into Wisconsin by later tonight.  A pause in a steady rain is expected on Friday.  Light showers are likely to return on Saturday.

liquid precipitation
Forecast of liquid precipitation potential from 7pm Thursday through 7pm Sunday.

The forecast is still a work in progress for predicting a cold rain and wet snow to develop on Sunday in the eastern Dakotas and spread east.  Currently, the best chance for some accumulating snow is from St. Cloud north on Sunday evening.

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7am low center
Concensus forecast of the surface low at 7 a.m. CST Sunday.

Stay tuned for the projected path of the surface low and precipitation forecast for Sunday.

Recent bouts of precipitation have reduced the moisture deficient in the state.  Regions considered in moderate drought continue to shrink.

drought
US drought monitor most recent status.

Drought status just a week ago was more expansive.

Drough October 8th.
Drought status as of October 8th.

NOAA's Climate Prediction Center released a new three month outlook today for November through January.  For the Upper Midwest there are equal odds of above or below normal temperatures.

90 day outlook
Image:Climate Prediction Center.

The 90 day precipitation forecast through January also indicates equal chances of above or below normal.

90 day precipitation forecast
Image: Climate Prediction Center

The State Department of Natural Resources reports colors are peaking in central Minnesota. You may wish to head toward LaCrosse to enjoy the autumn colors this weekend.