Minneapolis, Minnesota – A refreshing push of cool air will arrive just in time for Labor Day, but not without a storm risk. Drivers along I-94 and I-35 should prepare for scattered thunderstorms through Tuesday before cooler September weather settles in.
According to the National Weather Service in Chanhassen, lightning and isolated funnel clouds are possible Saturday evening, though the chance for severe weather is very low. A few stronger storms could briefly affect travel, especially across southern Minnesota and into western Wisconsin.
Sunday looks sunny and warm with highs near 80, but clouds return by Labor Day as a weak system brings scattered showers. By Monday night and Tuesday, thunderstorms become more likely, with rainfall totals around half an inch possible in some areas. Storms could slow holiday return traffic, especially near Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport and along major routes.
By midweek, Minnesota shifts to a cooler pattern. Highs dip into the lower 70s, and overnight lows fall into the 50s—an early taste of fall. National outlook maps show the Upper Midwest locked into below-normal temperatures through the first week of September, reinforcing a fall-like pattern across much of the region.
Travelers are urged to monitor forecasts closely, avoid driving during lightning storms, and keep phones charged in case of outages. Spotters are encouraged to report any funnel clouds to the National Weather Service.
Cooler, drier weather should dominate by late week, offering a break from summer heat as September settles in.
Five Day Forecast for Minneapolis, MN:
- Sunday: Sunny, high near 80. Low 57.
- Labor Day Monday: Mostly sunny, slight chance of showers, high 79. Low 60.
- Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, high 76. Low 52.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, cooler, high 62. Low 46.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 68. Low 48.
