Milder Sunday, Then Rain Returns Across Minnesota
September 27, 2026 | Three-day forecast: Sunday, September 27–Tuesday, September 29
Minnesota gets a milder Sunday, with morning fog and lingering showers giving way to more dry time in many communities. Another round of wet weather is approaching, however. Rain returns to northwestern Minnesota Monday, followed by a broader chance for rain and thunderstorms Tuesday across central and southern parts of the state.
Northern Minnesota
Sunday: Morning fog could reduce visibility around Thief River Falls and Bemidji before temperatures climb into the lower 70s. Clouds remain a major part of the forecast. Afternoon highs should reach 71 degrees in Thief River Falls, 72 in Bemidji and 71 in Duluth.
Monday: Rain returns to the northwest, with periods of rain around Thief River Falls and showers near Bemidji. Temperatures fall back to approximately 63 to 64 degrees, and afternoon breezes increase around Thief River Falls. Duluth has a quieter daytime outlook, with some sunshine and a high near 64.
Tuesday: Rain remains possible across northwestern Minnesota, while Duluth could see occasional rain and a thunderstorm. Highs in these communities will reach approximately 65 to 66 degrees.
The National Weather Service expects a soaking rain Monday and Tuesday, with much of eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota facing a 60% to 90% chance of more than one inch of rainfall. That could interrupt harvest work and create localized flooding concerns.
Central Minnesota
Sunday: Areas of morning fog give way to a mostly cloudy, warmer afternoon. Highs should reach 73 degrees in Morris and 71 in Willmar and St. Cloud. Lingering morning showers and drizzle should diminish, providing more dry time during the afternoon.
Monday: Clouds linger, with temperatures reaching approximately 70 to 71 degrees. Morris has a chance for a few showers, while Willmar and St. Cloud have mainly cloudy daytime forecasts. Afternoon breezes become more noticeable around Morris and Willmar.
Tuesday: Rain becomes more widespread, with thunderstorms possible around Willmar and St. Cloud. Highs ease back to 69 degrees in Morris, 67 in Willmar and 68 in St. Cloud. The National Weather Service identifies Tuesday as the main opportunity for rain during this three-day stretch across its central and southern Minnesota forecast area.
Southern Minnesota
Sunday: Clouds remain, with morning fog in some communities and a few showers possible around New Ulm and Rochester. Temperatures will vary across the region, reaching approximately 73 degrees in Marshall, 70 in New Ulm and 66 in Rochester.
Monday: The daytime forecast turns quieter, although skies stay largely cloudy. Highs should reach 73 degrees in Marshall and 71 in New Ulm and Rochester. Marshall will also be breezy.
Tuesday: Rain and thunderstorms return, with highs falling to approximately 69 degrees in Marshall, 66 in New Ulm and 65 in Rochester. The National Weather Service indicates that some of the higher rainfall totals from Tuesday’s system could fall across southern Minnesota, although the amounts and exact placement remain uncertain.
The main change comes early in the workweek: northwestern Minnesota turns wetter Monday, followed by a broader rain threat Tuesday. Sunday afternoon offers a better window for outdoor activities in many areas, but rain gear will be useful again as the new week begins.
IMRN Chief Meteorologist Paul Trombley
