St. Paul, Minn. – A noticeable shift toward fall-like weather is making its way through Minnesota and Wisconsin this week, bringing cool nights and a wet forecast for the Twin Cities area. With overnight lows dipping into the 40s and even the mid-30s in northern regions, residents should prepare for the change in conditions and a likely rainy day by Thursday evening.
The National Weather Service has issued forecasts indicating that while cooler temperatures will dominate, the arrival of a cold front will also bring scattered showers starting Wednesday night and turning into more widespread rain by Thursday.
Chilly Nights and Patchy Frost Expected in Northern Areas
Minnesota and Wisconsin’s northern counties, including cities like Duluth, International Falls, and Hayward, should anticipate overnight temperatures dropping into the mid-30s. These areas are at risk for patchy frost forming on vegetation, prompting local gardeners to take precautions.
- Temperatures may reach as low as mid-30s in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin tonight.
- Twin Cities and southern counties will experience lows in the low to mid-40s.
- Patchy frost presents a risk to sensitive plants; gardeners are advised to cover their vegetation.
“Gardeners in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin should take care to protect sensitive plants as these cold nights could cause frost damage,” advised the National Weather Service.
Rain Likely by Thursday Afternoon and Evening
According to the National Weather Service, isolated showers are expected to begin late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning, mainly across southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. This precipitation will intensify as a cold front moves through the region, bringing a more substantial round of rain by Thursday afternoon and evening.
- Early Thursday: isolated showers across southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
- Thursday afternoon and evening: stronger rain likely as cold front passes.
- Twin Cities morning commuters can expect damp roads and cooler air.
Forecast: Cooler Temperatures Persist Through Weekend with Gradual Warming Next Week
The Twin Cities will experience cooler-than-normal temperatures lasting through the weekend, with highs holding in the low 60s. A gradual warming trend is expected by Sunday, with temperatures rising into the low 70s by Monday.
- Thursday: Showers likely, high near 62°
- Friday: Mostly cloudy and cooler, high near 60°
- Saturday: Chance of showers, high near 62°
- Sunday: Partly sunny, high near 66°
- Monday: Warmer and mostly sunny, high near 71°
Scattered showers will continue to be possible Friday and Saturday, but drier conditions are expected to return starting early next week.
Preparing for the Coming Weather Changes
Residents in the Twin Cities and surrounding regions should:
- Dress in layers to accommodate cool mornings and highs in the 60s.
- Drive cautiously on damp roads during morning commutes, especially Thursday.
- Protect garden plants from frost damage in northern areas.
- Keep an umbrella handy for rain likely Thursday afternoon and evening.
Stay informed and prepare accordingly as Minnesota and Wisconsin experience a clear transition into fall’s cooler and wetter weather.
What do you think about this weather change? Have you prepared your garden for the frost or planned for the likely rain? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.
