3 days ago
Potential downpours headed for the Twin Cities
A deluge of rainfall is heading toward the Twin Cities today, adding to what has been a gloomy start to summer.
Why it matters: While this might be great for our lawns, gardens and "June gloom" revelers, it's been a downer for those of us who like to soak up the sun.
What we're watching: Between this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon, much of the Twin Cities will likely get 1.5 to 2 inches of rain, with some pockets of 4 or more inches, National Weather Service meteorologist Tyler Hasenstein told Axios on Wednesday.
The NWS is not predicting strong thunderstorms to go along with the rain, but there is a potential for some flooding.
State of play: Our start to summer so far: gray, damp, hazy and stinky.
It's rained 15 of the last 30 days, according to data from the Midwest Regional Climate Center.
Canadian wildfire smoke has triggered five air quality alerts since May 29, including a record for nasty air June 3.
We've had just one "clear" day in the past 16, according to the Minnesota DNR.
Yes, but: Despite the nearly constant clouds and threats of rain, we're still below average for rainfall in May and June.
That's likely to change. Saturday should be mostly dry, but another round of showers and storms is expected Sunday night, Hasenstein said.
And the smoke will stick around, bringing unhealthy air quality levels, Sven Sundgaard wrote for MPR's Updraft.
