Rain and thunder today and tonight, drier Sunday

We almost expect at least one day of rain during a three day holiday weekend.

We'll have some periods of rain and a few thunderstorms today and tonight, but the weather will improve for Sunday and Memorial Day.

Here is the projected rainfall pattern, from today through Monday morning, per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s North American Mesoscale Forecast System:

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NOAA/NAM data, via College of DuPage

A low pressure system, that was located near Omaha this Saturday morning, will move northeastward today and tonight. Periods of showers and a few thunderstorms are expected over much of Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Rainfall amounts of one-half inch to one inch are possible today and tonight, with even higher amounts near any strong thunderstorms.

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An isolated shower or thunderstorm will still be possible very early Sunday, and also Sunday afternoon and Sunday evening, but most of Sunday should be rain-free. We'll also have some peeks of sun on Sunday.

Memorial Day should be dry for most of Minnesota. You can also expect some sunshine.  Western Minnesota has a chance of a shower or thunderstorm Monday evening.

Rain affecting much of central U.S.

Many states will see rain today, and another low pressure system spreads rain into parts of Nebraska and Iowa on Monday:

 

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The Storm Prediction Center of the National Weather Service shows a marginal risk of severe weather over south-central and southeastern Minnesota today and tonight:

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Storm Prediction Center/National Weather Service

Be aware of what county you are in this weekend, because severe weather warnings are issued by county.

There is a greater risk of severe weather over parts of Texas.

Afternoon update

The Storm Prediction Center of the National Weather Service now indicates a slight risk of severe weather over far southeastern Minnesota and southwestern Wisconsin:

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Storm Prediction Center/National Weather Service

And a severe thunderstorm watch is now in effect for southeastern Minnesota and southwestern Wisconsin until 9pm Saturday evening:

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Storm Prediction Center/National Weather Service

Cool today, then temps rebound

Highs today will be in the 60s to lower 70s:

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The coolest readings will be near the north shore of Lake Superior.

Temps rebound a bit on Sunday:

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Highs on Memorial Day will be a few degrees above normal:

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I hope that you enjoy your Memorial Day weekend!

Programming note

You can hear my live weather updates weekend mornings at 7:35 a.m. on Minnesota Public Radio.