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Hurricane Polo Will Bring Rain to Upper Midwest

Tropical moisture from a Category 3 storm will shift into the region beginning this Tuesday.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Forecasts

Heavy rain pours over a vast, empty expanse of rural farmland beneath a dark, turbulent storm-filled sky.
Hurricane Polo is expected to bring heavy tropical moisture to the Upper Midwest beginning Tuesday, with localized rainfall totals reaching five inches. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Beginning Tuesday, an upper level low will merge with Category 3 Hurricane Polo to transport tropical moisture into the Upper Midwest. This weather pattern is expected to produce significant rainfall and breezy conditions across SE Minnesota and North Iowa through Thursday.

Why it matters

The interaction between a high pressure ridge in Texas and this incoming storm system will alter regional weather patterns mid-week. Residents should prepare for increased precipitation and gusty winds as the system moves through the area.

Hurricane Polo is currently a Category 3 storm with 115 MPH sustained winds. Forecasts indicate regional wind gusts will reach 30 MPH during the storm's transition.

The players

Hurricane Polo

This is a Category 3 storm currently carrying maximum sustained winds of 115 MPH.

The details

An upper level low will pull moisture from Hurricane Polo as it travels from the southwest United States, causing steady rain from Tuesday afternoon through Thursday afternoon. While regionwide totals remain between one and three inches, localized areas could see up to five inches of rain.

Timeline

  1. Monday 7 AM: Hurricane Polo sustained wind speeds were recorded.

  2. Tuesday through Thursday: Tropical moisture will affect the Upper Midwest.

  3. Tuesday afternoon through Thursday afternoon: Steady rain is expected in SE Minnesota and North Iowa.

  4. Friday: Sunshine will emerge and wind speeds will relax.

Seasonal Patterns

This storm trajectory mirrors the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season moisture transport patterns, where decaying systems move inland to fuel significant regional rain events. The accumulation levels remain consistent with historical autumn storm averages for the Upper Midwest.

Residents in SE Minnesota and North Iowa should prepare for potential localized flooding given the expectation of up to five inches of rain. Secure outdoor furniture or loose items to prepare for the predicted 30 MPH wind gusts.

The takeaway

Monitor local weather alerts for updates on rainfall intensity as the system progresses through Thursday. Plan for clearing skies by Friday as the high pressure front brings an end to the moisture event.

Further reading

Stay updated on the latest weather developments across the country by visiting our Forecasts section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by KIMT-TV 3 Mason City.

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Is your community adequately prepared for the potential of flash flooding this week?