Residents across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the greater Twin Cities region are set to experience a shift in weather patterns this week as the lingering warmth of late summer gives way to more fall-like conditions. The National Weather Service Twin Cities has forecast unsettled weather as a line of storms moves through the state, bringing pockets of rain and cooler temperatures that will dominate much of the coming days.
The week began with scattered thunderstorms across Minnesota, some rolling into the metro late Tuesday and continuing overnight into early Wednesday. These storms, while isolated, came with the threat of brief downpours and rumbles of thunder, setting the stage for a damp and breezy Wednesday commute. Morning drivers throughout St. Paul, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, and other metro communities should be cautious on highways and heavily traveled routes, as the chance of early showers remains at about 30 percent. Overnight lows in the 50s and 60s make for a noticeable change compared to recent warm nights, underscoring the seasonal turn.
By Wednesday afternoon, the shift in weather will be felt more sharply. Daytime highs are expected to hold in the low to mid-60s, a significant cooldown compared with last week’s summer warmth. Brisk winds will make those temperatures feel even cooler, reinforcing the sense of fall arriving ahead of schedule. Throughout the day, scattered rain showers will continue to pass across central and southern portions of the state, though no widespread severe weather is anticipated. Still, residents should plan for unsettled skies and carry rain gear if traveling outdoors.
Looking to Thursday, forecasters highlight an increased chance for thunderstorms, particularly throughout central and southern Minnesota. Temperatures may briefly rebound into the upper 60s during the day, though this limited warmth will not last. By evening, conditions are expected to trend cooler again, with lows dipping into the 40s and 50s. Depending on storm development, Thursday could bring heavier periods of rain in localized spots, adding to early September’s wet pattern.
Friday’s weather will be calmer, though still cool. Partly sunny skies are expected, but brisk winds and lower highs—ranging from the upper 50s in northern counties to low 60s in the south—will emphasize the seasonal transition. While rain chances will be minimal, gusty breezes may create minor challenges for outdoor activities, particularly in open areas. Travelers and those heading into the weekend forecast can expect mostly dry conditions after Friday.
The weekend outlook looks promising for those eager to enjoy outdoor activities without the disruption of rain. Saturday is projected to be mostly sunny, with highs in the low to mid-60s and crisp overnight lows in the 40s. By Sunday, temperatures will climb slightly closer to 70 degrees, paired with clear and sunny skies, providing a pleasant preview of fall weekends to come.
Overall, the Twin Cities and surrounding areas should prepare for a notable stretch of cooler, drier weather following the midweek storms. While a few bouts of rain and thunder are possible through Thursday, the broader pattern will favor calmer skies and below-normal temperatures into next week. For Minnesotans, this forecast provides both a reminder to keep a jacket handy and an opportunity to embrace the season unfolding across the region.
