Historic Flooding on the Rainy River Basin
"High water levels are occurring across the Rainy River Basin in far northern Minnesota and adjacent parts of Ontario. This is a historic flood that has already exceeded the records set in the 2014 flooding, and will likely break the current all-time records. It will take a long time for these levels to decrease once they peak (crest), and those experiencing flooding should be prepared for weeks of high water levels into June. As of May 25, many of the major tributaries upstream (like Basswood River, Vermilion River, Kawishiwi River) have crested and are beginning to drop. However, this will only slow the rise of Namakan/Kabetogama and Rainy Lake - continued rises are still anticipated in the coming days: Namakan Lake and Kabetogama Lake are currently at 1122.0 ft (341.99 m), which is 17.7 inches (45 cm) above the 2014 peak level. A rise of 5 to 7 inches (12-19 cm) is expected between May 25 and June 1 with continued rises into mid June possible. At this rate, Namakan Lake will reach the all-time record high level of 1122.8 ft (342.24 m) set in 1916. Rainy Lake is currently at 1111.7 ft (338.85 m), which is 4 inches (11 cm) above the 2014 peak. A rise of 11 to 13 inches (27-33 cm) is expected between May 25 and June 1, with continued through at least mid June. At this rate, Rainy Lake is expected to break the all-time record high level of 1112.95 ft (339.23 m) set in 1950."
Memorial Weekend Outlook
The weather outlook for the Twin Cities this Memorial Weekend Holiday shows warmer and more unsettled weather moving in. It'll feel a bit more humid with chances of showers and thunderstorms, some of which could be strong to severe with locally heavy rainfall. The warmest day arrives on Monday with highs warming into the 90s, which would only be the 2nd time this year that the Twin Cities has hit 90F or better. The first time was on May 12th when we warmed to 92F.
Severe Weather Outlook Saturday
According to NOAA's Storm Prediction Center, there is a Marginal Risk of severe storms across parts of central Minnesota Saturday Night. A few storms could be strong to severe with gusty winds and hail being the primary threat overnight into early Sunday morning.
Severe Weather Outlook Sunday
Another round of strong to severe storms may develop late Sunday into Sunday night across the region. According to NOAA's Storm Prediction Center, there is an Enhanced Risk across western and southwestern Minnesota, where the risk of large hail, damaging winds and even a few tornadoes is the greatest. Storms will likely being late Sunday afternoon in western and southwestern Minnesota and will continue through the evening and overnight time period as the storms spread northeast through the state.
Severe Weather Outlook Monday
The weather outlook on Memorial Day Monday looks unsettled once again with scattered showers and thunderstorms possible in the afternoon, especially across western Minnesota. Large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes will be possible.
Up North Saturday Weather Outlook
Temps across the northern half of the state on Saturday will warm into the upper 60s and lower 70s with a few isolated t-showers in the morning and once again overnight. Note that readings closer to Lake Superior will be much cooler with readings only warming into the 50s and 60s, but temps across central Minnesota could warm into the 80s.
Up North Sunday Weather Outlook
Sunday will be another unsettled day with lingering showers and storms possible in the morning and another round developing in the late afternoon and evening. Some of the storms could be strong to severe with locally heavy rainfall. Temperatures will also be a bit warmer side with readings warming into the 70s and 80s.