Minnesota to See Warm Weather Before Weekend Rain

A shift in temperatures and scattered rain are expected to move across the state by this Saturday.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Current Conditions

A wide, overcast prairie landscape in Minnesota with a dark, moisture-heavy cloud front moving across the sky. — Minnesota residents should prepare for unseasonably mild temperatures through Saturday followed by a cold front bringing widespread rain and cooler conditions. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Is unseasonably warm weather this late in the year a benefit or a concern for you?

Minnesota will experience unseasonably mild temperatures through Saturday as warmer winds arrive from the Southern Plains. Residents should prepare for widespread rain across the state on Saturday, with cooler conditions arriving early next week.

Why it matters

A cold front moving into the region will end the current period of mild weather, bringing a transition to below-average temperatures for the work week. This shift signals a move toward typical late-October conditions as the month concludes.

Twin Cities daylight is currently 10 hours and 40 minutes and is decreasing by approximately 3 minutes daily. Patchy fog is currently reported in the Minnesota and Mississippi River Valleys.

The details

Drivers in fog-prone areas should prepare for morning condensation that may require window defrosting. While rain is likely statewide on Saturday, showers may linger into Sunday and Monday morning, with potential snowflakes in the Boundary Waters later in the week.

October 21, 2026: Mild weather conditions continue across the state.
October 22, 2026: Warmer temperatures persist ahead of the cold front.
October 23, 2026: Rain is expected in west-central Minnesota.
October 24, 2026: Statewide rain is anticipated as the primary weather event.
October 20, 2020: The Twin Cities recorded eight inches of snowfall.

Seasonal Patterns

The current forecast marks a significant departure from the 2020 Twin Cities October snow event, which saw heavy early season accumulation. This highlights the variability in October weather patterns compared to historical records from six years ago.

Motorists driving through the Minnesota and Mississippi River Valleys should plan for extra time to defrost windows due to morning fog. Prepare for a cooler, wetter weekend as rainfall is likely to affect travel plans across the state on Saturday.

The takeaway

Prepare for a transition to cooler, below-average temperatures following this weekend's rain. Ensure that your vehicle is ready for potential morning fog and keep an eye on the forecast if you are traveling to the Boundary Waters.