Potential downpours headed for the Twin Cities
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
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.
What's next: Hasenstein says the trend of occasional rain and storms should continue over the next couple of weeks, though he also expects warmer than normal temperatures.
The bottom line: At least we're saving money on sunscreen.