MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – A stretch of record October warmth will end abruptly Sunday as strong southerly winds up to 45 mph drive a cold front across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. The National Weather Service in the Twin Cities warns of “elevated fire weather conditions” through Sunday evening, with gusty winds, dry vegetation, and falling humidity combining to heighten risk across western and southern counties.
According to the NWS Twin Cities, the front will move west to east late Sunday afternoon, bringing a chance of scattered showers and isolated storms mainly across eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Before the front passes, highs will soar into the low 80s — more than 25 degrees above average for early October. Winds will shift northwest overnight, ushering in much cooler, drier air by Monday morning.
Travel could be difficult for high-profile vehicles along I-35 and I-94 due to crosswinds, especially in open areas. Residents are urged to secure outdoor decorations and yard items ahead of the front. By Monday, highs will drop into the 60s with a noticeable chill returning by evening. Fire crews and emergency managers continue to monitor for any wildfire flare-ups where drought persists.
Meteorologists expect calmer, seasonable weather to settle in midweek, but another disturbance may bring light rain chances by late Thursday.
