Who Needs Florida? Tropical Heat Hits the Twin Cities, Defying Fall Forecasts!

Photo byNational Weather Service

Near 80-degree temperatures forecasted for Twin Cities through the weekend.

Dry Conditions to Persist as Potential Tropical Cyclone Influences Weather Patterns

[TWIN CITIES] — Issued by the National Weather Service at 3:51 AM on September 24, 2024.

Warm and Dry Conditions Expected Throughout the Week

The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecasted a stretch of warm and dry weather for the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. Temperatures are expected to climb to near 80 degrees by Wednesday and will remain elevated through the weekend. These conditions are well above the seasonal norms for late September, providing residents with an extended taste of summer.

A line of light showers moved across Minnesota early this morning, but most of the rain did not reach the ground. The few areas that did receive showers saw only a few hundredths of an inch of precipitation. As the day progresses, these showers will diminish, making way for another day of pleasant late September weather with highs in the low 70s.

Tropical System Impacts Local Weather Patterns

The weather pattern across the Upper Midwest is currently being influenced by developments in the Gulf of Mexico. Potential Tropical Cyclone (PTC) Nine is anticipated to strengthen and move towards the Florida Panhandle over the next few days. Meanwhile, a trough responsible for the light showers this morning is expected to become a cutoff low over the Ozarks. This setup will block any significant moisture from reaching Minnesota, ensuring dry and warm conditions for the region.

As PTC Nine and the cutoff low interact, they are expected to 'Fujiwara' around each other, with the tropical system being absorbed and drawn northward into the Ohio River Valley. This unusual weather pattern could eventually push moisture back towards the Midwest, bringing slight chances of rain to far southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin over the weekend.

Extended Forecast: Dry and Warm Into Early October

The warm and dry conditions are expected to persist into early next week as a high-pressure system dominates the region. By the start of October, the pattern may shift, bringing low chances of rain showers to the Upper Midwest. Temperatures will continue to stay above normal, with highs in the upper 70s and overnight lows in the 50s, making for a mild start to the new month.

Aviation Update: VFR Conditions with Light Winds

VFR conditions are expected for all terminals in the Twin Cities area. Light winds will shift throughout the day as a boundary passes through, but no significant impacts on aviation are anticipated. Despite some early morning showers in western Minnesota, VFR conditions will continue during any light rainfall.

Hazardous Weather Changes Fast - Stay Updated

Weather Watches, Warnings, and Advisories are frequently updated by the NWS. Please look for updates to this report from the National Weather Service, or your local news channels and NOAA All Hazards radio. Please follow ThumbWind Publications for more local weather and news updates. Your helpful comments are welcome.

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