Rain is expected to blanket much of the state beginning later Thursday afternoon and continue through Friday, bringing with it some much needed precipitation.
"The models are still printing out one to two inches of rain, consistently, run-after-run," says WCCO Radio Meteorologist Paul Douglas. "All the models seem to agree at least an inch. A few lucky spots will pick up two. Parts of southwestern Minnesota, out around Windom, Worthington, I wouldn't be surprised to see some three inch amounts."
Douglas says the rain will help with the severe drought much of us are still experiencing.
"It may just start to rain for the drive home later today," Douglas says. "Heavier rain tonight and tomorrow. Peak winds tomorrow morning up around 35, 45 mile per hour gusts. So, it is going to be a miserabel, windswept day if you're out and about."
The weekend is expected to be a bit drier with temperatures in the low 50's, but Paul says a warm up is ahead for next week.
Douglas says the rain should put a "dent" in our drought but not erase it altogether. There are still a few pockets of Extreme Drought in the state so obviously the rain is welcome.
The only part of Minnesota that isn't abnormally dry is the Iron Range area from Duluth up towards Virginia and Eveleth. That's according the the U.S. Drought Monitor which just released an update Thursday morning.