Minneapolis–St. Paul wakes up to partly sunny skies and a high near 66°F today, Thursday, May 21 — and this is your best outdoor window before rain moves in this weekend. Light east-southeast winds of 5 to 10 mph keep things comfortable across the metro, and with just a 2% precipitation chance, there’s every reason to get outside.
Today’s Setup
High pressure is sliding east, leaving the Twin Cities with near-normal, pleasant conditions through the afternoon. It’s an ideal day to bike the Grand Rounds, walk the paths around Lake Harriet, or head to one of the 10,000 lakes for some early-season fishing. Tree pollen remains active with the light winds, so if your eyes have been bothering you, keep eye drops for allergy itch relief handy before heading out. Tonight turns mostly cloudy with a low around 47°F and a slight 12% rain chance.
Rain Moves In Friday Night
The National Weather Service is tracking a shortwave trough that pushes a rain system into the region Friday afternoon and evening. Light showers arrive after 5 PM CT Friday, with the heaviest rain overnight — Friday night carries an 80% precipitation chance. Metro rainfall totals look to be in the 0.1–0.25” range, with heavier amounts (0.5–1”) across western Minnesota. The system tracks toward the Great Lakes by Saturday, with showers lingering into Saturday morning before skies clear by afternoon.
MNUFC at Allianz Field — Saturday, May 23
Minnesota United FC hosts Real Salt Lake at Allianz Field on Saturday, May 23, and the forecast is workable. Morning showers may still be hanging around near kickoff, so layer a Minnesota United FC jersey under a rain jacket and bring your Minnesota United FC scarf for the damp air. If you’re tailgating, a pop-up canopy tent with weights is smart insurance against any leftover drizzle. Grab your seats via Get tickets on SeatGeek or Find tickets on StubHub before they go.
Saturday Night Entertainment
Saturday evening looks much better as the rain exits. Shrek Rave hits First Avenue and Freddie Gibbs w/ Nourished by Time plays the Palace Theatre-MN — both on May 23. By showtime, skies should be clearing out nicely. Find tickets on StubHub for either show.
Grill Tonight While It’s Perfect
Tonight’s 66°F high is ideal grilling weather — fire up burgers, steaks, or grilled chicken with corn on the cob. An instant-read meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of your cook, and a grill brush and scraper set keeps your grates ready for the whole season ahead. If you want to level up this week, our guide to smoking tri-tip like brisket walks you through a surprisingly easy $10 technique. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything at your door before dinner.
Next Few Days
Friday: Partly sunny, high near 66°F, ESE winds 10–15 mph — showers arrive after 5 PM CT. Saturday: Morning showers clear by afternoon, high near 71°F. Sunday: Sunny and warmer, highs climbing into the 70s. Memorial Day week: The National Weather Service expects well-above-normal heat building through next week, with highs potentially reaching the mid-to-upper 80s — running 10–15°F above normal. The back half of Memorial Day weekend looks dry and outstanding. Browse outdoor gear deals now so you’re ready to enjoy every bit of it.
