⛈️ Storms returning to Minnesota this afternoon and evening
Starting Thursday afternoon, scattered showers and thunderstorms are set to redevelop across Minnesota, especially closer to the front in the southern region. According to meteorologist Sven Sundgaard, we’re heading into another wet phase with the potential for intense downpours and frequent thunder by late Thursday and continuing into Friday morning.
🌧️ Rainfall totals: 1 to 3 inches — or more
Models suggest a widespread risk of heavy rain, with 1 to 3 inches (25 to 76 mm) expected across much of the region. Localized areas may receive even higher amounts, particularly where storms stall or repeat over the same zone. Flash flooding cannot be ruled out in low-lying or urban areas, especially in southern Minnesota.
🌤️ Weekend weather: brief reprieve before more showers next week
As we approach the weekend, Minnesotans can expect a temporary break. Saturday and Sunday look mostly dry, with milder conditions and temperatures on the rise. This short-lived window of calmer weather will provide relief before another unsettled pattern begins to build early next week.
🌡️ Warmer days ahead despite unstable conditions
Although next week remains unpredictable, temperatures will trend warmer, with highs climbing into the upper 70s to low 80s (25–28 °C). However, the return of daily storm chances by Monday or Tuesday suggests that June’s wet pattern is far from over.
⚠️ Climate note: Storms in context of global warming
It’s important to note that while individual weather events can’t be solely linked to climate change, the increasing intensity and frequency of severe weather across Minnesota — and globally — aligns with what scientists expect in a rapidly warming climate. The IPCC has warned that if greenhouse gas emissions are not cut in half by 2030, we may be heading toward irreversible warming beyond the critical 1.5°C threshold.
