Some Memorial Day sun, thunderstorms tonight

Most of Minnesota will see some Memorial Day sunshine, along with patchy clouds.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible today, especially over southwestern Minnesota. The remainder of Minnesota could see an isolated shower or thunderstorm this afternoon.

Our thunderstorm chances will increase this evening, and periods of thunderstorms are likely overnight and on Tuesday.

Here is the forecast rainfall pattern, for today through Wednesday morning, from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s North American Mesoscale Forecast System (NAM):

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NOAA/NAM data, via College of DuPage

The strongest thunderstorms would tend to be tonight into early Tuesday morning, with a second round of strong thunderstorms possible Tuesday afternoon and evening over eastern Minnesota.

Severe weather risk

A severe thunderstorm is possible later today and tonight. The best chance of severe weather will be over North Dakota and South Dakota into far southwestern Minnesota, especially later this afternoon through tonight. The Storm Prediction Center of the National Weather Service indicates a slight risk of severe weather for those areas. There is a marginal risk of severe weather later today and overnight over much of Minnesota, including the Twin Cities metro area:

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Storm Prediction Center/National Weather Service

Heavy rain is also possible , which could cause some flooding.

Be alert to possible weather warnings later today and overnight tonight. Weather warnings are issued by counties, so know what county you are in if you are traveling. NOAA weather radio can wake you if severe weather warnings are issued overnight.

Warmer today

Highs in the lower 80s are expected this Memorial Day over much of Minnesota:

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Parts of northeastern Minnesota will see highs in the 70s.

Our average high this time of year in the Twin Cities is 74 degrees, so lower 80s will be nice!

Cooler midweek

A cold front moves through Minnesota late tomorrow, and our highs will be much cooler by Wednesday:

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We could stay in the 60s over much of southern Minnesota, with 50s over the north.

Highs in the 70s are expected from Thursday through Sunday.

I hope that you enjoy your Memorial Day!