Minneapolis, Minnesota – Temperatures will climb into the low to mid-80s by Thursday afternoon, bringing a summerlike stretch of warmth across Minnesota before a shift toward wetter and more active weather.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, much of Minnesota is in a 70 to 80 percent probability zone for above-normal temperatures from April 16 through April 20. A broad heat dome across the central U.S. will allow temperatures to steadily rise through the end of the workweek.
In the Twin Cities, including Hennepin and Ramsey counties, highs are expected to reach 80 to 84°F between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., with overnight lows holding in the upper 50s to low 60s. Across southern Minnesota, including Mankato and Rochester, similar conditions will develop with strong sunshine and mild evenings.
Along the I-35 and I-94 corridors, increasing southwest winds could gust between 20 and 30 mph at times, briefly accelerating the drying of vegetation early in the period.
The precipitation outlook shows a 40 to 50 percent chance of above-normal rainfall developing between April 18 and April 22. Thunderstorms are expected to increase statewide, with the potential for heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and localized flooding, especially in low-lying and urban areas.
Residents should take advantage of the warm stretch but remain weather-aware late in the period. Secure loose outdoor items and prepare for rapidly changing conditions as storms develop.
The warmest conditions are expected through April 18, followed by increasing storm chances into early next week. Additional advisories are likely as the pattern shifts from early warmth to a more active storm setup.
