Today, much of northern and western Minnesota will remain unsettled, with spotty showers gradually developing throughout the afternoon. These scattered downpours are the result of a weak upper-level disturbance moving across the Dakotas, drawing moisture into the region under a cloudy sky.
Tonight into early Friday, expect a broader area of rainfall to spread across most of the state, with the heaviest activity likely focused over central and southern Minnesota. Temperatures overnight will hover in the mid 50s°F (13°C) in the north and lower 60s°F (16°C) near Minneapolis and Rochester.
Friday and the weekend: Repeated rounds of rain
On Friday, more intermittent showers will continue across the Upper Midwest as multiple upper-air waves ripple through the area. Conditions remain cool for early June, with highs only reaching the low 70s°F (21°C) in the south and mid 60s°F (18°C) in the north.
By Saturday and Sunday, additional disturbances aloft will keep rain chances alive statewide, although coverage and intensity may vary from one region to another. Localized thunderstorms are possible, especially by Sunday afternoon, with increasing humidity signaling the approach of warmer air.
Smoke and heat return next week
As we transition into next week, warmer and drier air will begin building into Minnesota, bringing a decisive shift in weather patterns. Temperatures by Tuesday could surge into the mid to upper 80s°F (29–31°C), especially across southern counties.
Meteorologist Sven Sundgaard warns that this warm-up may also coincide with the return of wildfire smoke aloft, especially in the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro and the Arrowhead Region, due to Canadian fires flaring up again.
Despite the recent cooldown, Minnesotans should prepare for a summery stretch next week with hazy skies, rising ozone levels, and persistent warmth through mid-June.
