Updraft: June 5, 2009 Archive

Rain looking likely for the weekend

Posted at 9:16 AM on June 5, 2009 by Craig Edwards

We have been working our way up to severe drought in the Twin Cities since March. Watching the computer models three to five days out, we often see a developing opportunity for rain in our neck of the woods and then it turns south, drenching southern Wisconsin.

Trying to reserve my enthusiasm, I must say that we just might be due for a soaking and the models are trending in our favor. Perhaps bad timing for outdoor weekend graduation parties, street fairs and summer weddings, but we surely will graciously accept moisture when Mother Nature presents it.

Rainfall potential Saturday and Sunday

With a front stalling in southern Minnesota, the Twin Cities will be on the cool, cloudy side of the front. This will mean a better chance for rain rather than storms. The more unstable air to ignite thunderstorms will likely be over Iowa.

Saturday's severe weather threat

Let's be optimistic about the rain chances, regardless of the poor timing.

CE

Forecast: Saturday soaker

Posted at 12:30 PM on June 5, 2009 by Paul Huttner

The weather maps are finally starting to look more like June.

Our wettest month of the year appears ready to deliver a much needed soaking rain to southern Minnesota. And, of course, it's coming on the weekend.

A strong low pressure wave will track through southern Minnesota and northern Iowa Saturday. This system has plenty of moisture and cool rain producing air to work with. In fact, temperatures Saturday may not climb out of the 50s in southern Minnesota including the metro. There will also be a raw east wind at 10-20 mph.

Rainfall amounts appear to be significant. Forecast models are cranking out anywhere from .75" to over an inch for southern Minnesota and the metro. It appears the bulk of the rain will occur during the day on Saturday. Rain may begin in the metro Saturday morning, and last most of the day. The first wave may move out late Saturday bringing and end to the rain by Saturday evening.

Sunday appears right now to be the better day of the weekend. Clouds may break for some sunny hours, and rain chances will be much less. We may see a mostly dry but cool Sunday with highs in the 60s in the metro.

The next wave due in on Monday may be even stronger. This strong upper level low has the potential to produce even more rain in parts of the state. Computer ensembles are hinting at over 2 inches with this system for some areas of the state.

The rainfall comes at a critical time. Drought conditions have deepened in much of central and southern Minnesota with some areas over 3 inches below average rainfall since April 1st.

This is a big weekend for high school graduation parties in Minnesota. If you picked Sunday you should be OK holding your party outdoors. If you picked Saturday, well, you won't be the first family to hold a graduation party in your garage.

Good luck whatever your plans are this weekend. Embrace the rainfall; we need every drop we can get!

PH