St. Paul, MN – Dense fog rolled into parts of eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin Thursday morning, prompting a visibility advisory from the National Weather Service (NWS). The fog is expected to lift by late morning, giving way to partly sunny skies and afternoon highs in the mid-70s.
Heading into the weekend, the region will turn noticeably warmer as heat and humidity return. Forecast guidance from the NWS Twin Cities office shows a warming trend with isolated storm chances through early next week.
Thursday’s Dense Fog and Travel Hazards
The NWS has issued an advisory for reduced visibility as drivers navigate dense fog across low-lying and rural areas. Commuters are urged to take extra precautions during the morning commute.
“Visibility could be significantly reduced in some areas, particularly along rural highways and low-lying regions.“— National Weather Service Twin Cities
- When: Thursday morning, expected to lift by late morning
- Where: Eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin
- Impact: Hazardous driving conditions, especially on rural highways
Weekend Warming: How Hot Will It Get?
Temperatures climb through the end of the week. Friday may bring a chance of morning storms in western Minnesota, but highs are forecast in the 80–85°F range. By Saturday, sunshine returns and readings rise into the upper 80s across much of the state.
- Friday: Chance of morning storms in western Minnesota; highs 80–85°F
- Saturday: Mostly sunny; highs in the upper 80s
- Sunday: Warm with scattered storms possible; highs near 90°F
- Monday: Additional showers possible; highs near the mid-80s
Storm Chances and Timing
The weekend starts warm and ends with an increased risk of storms. Sunday carries the highest chance for scattered afternoon convection, with roughly a 50% chance of rain across the Twin Cities metro and surrounding counties. Early next week, the chance of showers drops to about 30% on Monday.
Residents should monitor forecasts and be prepared for brief but potentially heavy downpours and lightning late Sunday into Monday if storms materialize.
Safety Tips and What to Expect Next
Given the mix of fog, returning heat, and weekend storm potential, officials recommend a conservative approach to travel and outdoor plans.
- For drivers: Slow down, use low-beam headlights in fog, and increase following distance.
- For outdoor plans: Have a backup plan for Sunday afternoon in case storms develop.
- For heat-sensitive individuals: Stay hydrated and seek cooling centers if needed as temperatures climb toward 90°F.
Bottom line: Expect dense fog to hamper the Thursday morning commute, a warm build-up into the 80s this weekend, and an increased chance of scattered storms by Sunday afternoon.
What do you think about this forecast? Have you driven through dense fog in the Twin Cities this morning or made weekend plans around the weather? Share your experiences in the comments below.
