Today's blustery conditions in Rice County are driven by a low-pressure system over northern Minnesota. This system is drawing in moisture, creating scattered light showers, and generating the significant wind gusts we're experiencing, making for a truly dynamic October day.![]()
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It's 43 degrees at 6 am in Faribault, with a west wind at 14 mph, gusting to 18 mph, and a wind chill of 36 degrees. We picked up nearly a tenth of an inch of precipitation from the last system. Rice County is currently under a Wind Advisory until 6:00 PM this evening. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph are expected, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph across south central Minnesota, including our county. This means unsecured objects could be blown around, tree limbs might come down, and scattered power outages are possible. Please take precautions to secure outdoor items.![]()
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Expect a rough day outside, with scattered showers mainly before 10 PM, and feels like temperatures in the 30s. A band of strong winds 5,000 feet up will contribute to surface gusts exceeding 45 mph, possibly reaching 50 mph. We have a 60 percent chance of less than a tenth of an inch of precipitation. Tonight, there's a 50 percent chance of showers, low around 42 degrees, with winds gradually decreasing to gusts up to 30 mph.![]()
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In 1947, the record high for this day soared to 88 degrees. In contrast, 1913 recorded a record low of 14 degrees, with the high only reaching 28. On this day in 1916, a three-day blizzard came to an end, and Bird Island experienced a dramatic temperature drop from 65 to 13 degrees, highlighting the sudden shifts our state can encounter.![]()
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As we move into midweek, an area of high pressure will bring more stable conditions. Temperatures will remain near normal, with highs in the mid-50s to lower 60s. However, clear skies and light winds will lead to below-normal overnight lows in the 20s possible Wednesday and Thursday nights. By the weekend, a constant breeze from the south will bring lows back into the 40s and 50s.![]()
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Please visit our website at skywarn.us where you'll always find the latest local, weather updates, and more about our Rice County Skywarn Program!
The National Weather Service has issued a WIND ADVISORY for Rice County, valid TOMORROW (Tuesday) from 11 AM to 6 PM. Northwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected.![]()
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Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.
Current conditions in Faribault at 6 am this Monday, October 20th, 45 degrees, wind south-southeast 12 mph (gusting 17 mph), wind chill 39. Humidity 67 percent, barometric pressure falling rapidly.![]()
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Today, a cold front brings showers to Rice County, mainly before 4 PM. Highs near 59. Winds will be breezy, gusting up to 35 mph. Tonight, showers clear to mostly clear skies, low around 40. West winds remain breezy, gusting up to 35 mph.![]()
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Historically, October 20th has brought early snow to Minnesota. Faribault recorded 3 inches in 1916. Other notable snowfalls include 9 inches in Little Falls in 2002 and 6 inches at Fort Snelling in 1835. Record temperatures for this day: high of 84 (1953) and low of 14 (1952).![]()
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While Rice County has no significant weather threats today, strong winds are expected starting tomorrow. Tuesday will bring increasing west winds, with gusts potentially exceeding 45 mph across central and southern Minnesota. Combined with temperatures in the 40s, wind chills will stay in the 30s. These strong gusts could warrant a Wind Advisory.![]()
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Looking beyond Tuesday, temperatures will gradually climb. However, a developing storm system later in the week could limit warming. Long-range forecasts suggest a potential for widespread rain or snow around October 26-28.![]()
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October in Minnesota is known for dramatic weather swings. Our historical records for this day, October 19th, show the wide range, with a record high of 83 degrees in 1950, but only a high of 32 in 1930. The record low was 12 degrees back in 1972.![]()
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This morning at 7:45 am in Faribault, it is 40 degrees with a west-northwest wind at 8 mph, creating a wind chill of 34 degrees. Humidity is 82 percent, and we picked up a trace of precipitation. Barometric pressure is rising.![]()
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Today will be sunny, with a high near 59 degrees. West northwest winds will be 10 to 15 mph, gusting up to 25 mph. Tonight will be mostly clear, with a low around 40. West winds of 5 to 10 mph will become south southeast after midnight.![]()
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Scattered rain chances and breezy conditions return Monday through Tuesday. Monday will see showers move through our area. Gusts exceeding 40 mph are possible Tuesday, as unstable air could allow stronger winds to reach the surface. This will be the main concern for Tuesday. Temperatures should remain near normal through the week.![]()
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On this day in Minnesota weather history: In 2000, many cities experienced their warmest October 19th, with the Twin Cities hitting 84 and Appleton reporting 90 degrees. In 1972, a cold snap brought lows of 1 above in Tower and 9 in St. Peter. Redwood Falls received a record-setting 7 inches of snow in 1916.![]()
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For the extended forecast, a new atmospheric disturbance will keep cooler temperatures and a few freezes possible mid-to-late week. While earlier outlooks suggested 70s, next weekend now looks like mid-50s to lower 60s, a bit above normal for late October.![]()
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Visit skywarn.us/streaming for our Rice County Skywarn Streaming Channel, featuring the latest radar imagery, historical and future radar, weather outlooks, and weather alerts and forecasts.
It's 47 degrees in Faribault at 7:30 am, with winds southwest at 6 mph and 84 percent relative humidity. Barometric pressure is rising. Rice County and Southern Minnesota are preparing for a cold front bringing scattered, very light showers later today. Temperatures will hover near normal for the next several days.![]()
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For Rice County today, expect increasing clouds with a high near 64 degrees. Southwest winds of 5 to 10 mph will become northwest this afternoon. Tonight, there's a 50 percent chance of light showers, mainly before 9 pm. Skies will be cloudy early, then gradually clear, with a low around 40 degrees. West northwest winds around 10 mph. Overall rainfall will be under a tenth of an inch, as a quick band of rain passes, particularly this evening.![]()
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Looking ahead, seasonable temperatures are expected through the next seven days. Tuesday will be the coldest, with highs barely reaching 50 degrees for most of our area. Breezy conditions are also forecast for the first half of next week, especially Monday and Tuesday, as strong cold air sweeps in from the Canadian Rockies. Expect maximum gusts around 40 mph as winds shift out of the northwest.![]()
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On this day in 1950, record highs reached the mid to upper 80s across the area, Faribault's record was 86 degrees. The record low for Faribault on this day was 18 degrees in 1896. Also, in 1916, a blizzard impacted Minnesota, with Hallock dropping from the 60s to 2 above by the 20th.![]()
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Visit skywarn.us/streaming for our Rice County Skywarn Streaming Channel, featuring the latest radar imagery, historical and future radar, weather outlooks, and weather alerts and forecasts.
Rice County is starting off Friday, October 17, with unseasonably mild temperatures. As of 6 am in Faribault, it was 63 degrees with a south wind at 10 mph. While we are expecting a high near 72 today, this date in history has seen some dramatic weather shifts. On this day in 1896, the high only reached 38 degrees, and in 1952, many central Minnesota locations reported record lows between 10 to 15 degrees, with St. Cloud hitting 10 degrees. It's a stark reminder of how quickly fall weather can change across Southern Minnesota.![]()
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The current relative humidity is 83 percent, and the barometric pressure is falling. For today, Rice County can expect a slight chance of showers between 7 am and 10 am, with a partly sunny sky and a high near 72 degrees. Southwesterly winds will be around 10 to 15 mph. Tonight, there's a 20 percent chance of showers with mostly cloudy skies and a low around 61 degrees and a south wind around 15 mph.![]()
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Showers across our region will become fewer and lighter this morning. Another chance for light rain arrives on Saturday, potentially starting in southwestern Minnesota in the afternoon and moving northeast into eastern Minnesota. High temperatures will drop closer to what's typical for this time of year over the weekend. Looking ahead to early next week, Monday and Tuesday could bring breezy conditions, with a chance for strong, sudden winds. Keep an eye on forecasts for updated wind advisories if conditions warrant.![]()
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Shifting our focus to the longer term, the official NOAA winter outlook for December, January, and February indicates that with La Nina conditions expected to persist, we have a slight favoritism for below normal temperatures over the three-month winter season. For precipitation, the odds also slightly favor above normal amounts. Remember, this covers the melted liquid equivalent, so it doesn't necessarily mean all of it will fall as snow.![]()
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Please visit our website at skywarn.us where you'll always find the latest local, weather updates, and more about our Rice County Skywarn Program!
NOAA's Climate Prediction Center has released its Winter 2025-2026 predictions, showing a weak La Nina pattern and a gentle descent into Winter. Slightly colder than average temperatures, but frequently jumping between mild and cold. There is not a clear signal one way or the other showing if it'll be a dry Winter again, or if we plan to get dumped on.![]()
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The 2024-2025 temperature and precipitation prediction are the two boxes on top, and today's prediction for 2025-2026 are the two boxes on the bottom.![]()
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Given how, ummm, unfortunate last year's precipitation prediction was, what are your thoughts on what we'll see this Winter?
The mild, breezy weather across Rice County today is influenced by a warm weather boundary lifting northeastward. This zone brings a surge of warm, moist air, driving up temperatures and strengthening winds ahead of an approaching low-pressure system. This atmospheric setup explains why we'll see a significant warm-up through Friday, along with increased wind speeds.![]()
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At 6 am in Faribault, it's 55 degrees with a southeast wind at 8 mph and 79 percent relative humidity. We picked up a trace of precipitation with the last system, and the barometric pressure is falling. Showers and perhaps a thunderstorm are expected to move across the area this morning into the early afternoon. Temperatures will reach a high near 71 today. Winds will be strong, with gusts potentially reaching 25 mph. Tonight, expect a 50 percent chance of showers, mostly cloudy conditions, and a steady temperature around 55 degrees.![]()
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Looking back in Minnesota weather history on October 16, the record high was a warm 86 degrees in 1910, while the high only reached 40 in 1952, the same year the record low of 22 degrees was set. This date also marks significant weather events. In 1996, early evening storms produced large hail up to 1.75 inches and wind gusts up to 63 mph in nearby counties like Nicollet, Dakota, and Watonwan. In Scott County near St. Patrick, 3.5 inches of rainfall fell. Further back, in 1937, a snowstorm dumped 10 inches at Bird Island, and in 1880, an early blizzard brought over a foot of snow to western Minnesota, blocking railroads.![]()
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Following today's activity, temperatures will warm well above normal through Friday, with south-central Minnesota lows possibly struggling to drop below 60 degrees tonight. More rain chances are possible to end the week, particularly Friday and Saturday night, as a low pressure system develops over the Midwest. Cooler air will follow to end the weekend, bringing temperatures back closer to normal. Early next week will see fluctuating temperatures, with another chance of rain around Tuesday before a return to normal temperatures through mid-week, and possibly another warm-up toward the end of October.![]()
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Please visit our website at skywarn.us where you'll always find the latest local, weather updates, and more about our Rice County Skywarn Program!
At 6:00 am in Faribault, it's 47 degrees, with an east wind at 8 mph and 80 percent relative humidity. We picked up 0.7 inches of rain yesterday and overnight. Our atmosphere is unusually moist for mid-October. This contributes to clouds, mist, and light rain across southern Minnesota. Barometric pressure is steady.![]()
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Today in Rice County will be cool and cloudy, with light rain or drizzle mainly before 8 am. Highs will reach about 57 degrees under overcast skies, with an east-southeast wind 5 to 10 mph and a 60 percent chance of precipitation. Overnight, a 50 percent chance of showers, low around 46, and east wind near 10 mph.![]()
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A better chance of rain develops late tonight into Thursday morning (0.1-0.25 inches). After the rain, Thursday afternoon will turn warmer (mid 60s-mid 70s) with possible sun. Southerly winds will be breezy, gusting 20-30 mph. This warmth extends into Friday (mid 60s-lower 70s) before a cold front late Friday afternoon/evening brings another chance of rain/thunderstorms.![]()
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A cooler, drier air mass arrives this weekend, with temperatures returning to seasonal normals. Highs will be in the mid 50s to lower 60s, with overnight lows in the upper 30s to lower 40s. Early next week may see minor rain chances Monday afternoon/night and again mid-week, but no significant systems are expected.![]()
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Minnesota weather history for October 15th includes a record high of 86 in 1968, low of 22 in 1937, and heavy rains in 1899.![]()
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Please visit our website at skywarn.us where you'll always find the latest local, weather updates, and more about our Rice County Skywarn Program!
On this day in 1966, an enormous hailstone crashed through the windshield of a truck near Claremont in Dodge County, just southeast of Rice County. It was reported to be 16 inches in circumference, a testament to the powerful storms that can form in our region. Historically, October 14th has seen a wide range of temperatures. The record high on this day was 87 degrees in 1947, while the coldest high temperature recorded was just 39 degrees in 1909. The record low for October 14 was 20 degrees back in 1937.![]()
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Faribault starts Tuesday, October 14, at 50 degrees with a northeast wind at 5 miles per hour and 72 percent relative humidity. The barometric pressure is currently rising.![]()
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Rice County has no significant weather threats at this time. Today, there's a 40 percent chance of showers, mainly after 1 pm. It will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 55 degrees and east-northeast winds of 5 to 10 mph. Tonight, showers are likely, mainly after 4 am. Expect cloudy conditions with a low around 46 degrees and continued east-northeast winds. The chance of precipitation is 70 percent, with new precipitation amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch possible.![]()
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Scattered rain showers currently over southwestern Minnesota will become more widespread this afternoon and last into tonight. While radar shows rain moving northeast, early dry air closer to the ground in western and southern Minnesota might initially cause some of this rain to evaporate before reaching the surface. However, the air will gradually moisten, allowing light rain to reach the ground by this afternoon, with more widespread showers developing this evening as moisture arrives from the south. The rain should mostly taper off across the region by early Wednesday morning.![]()
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Looking ahead, rain chances continue through the rest of the work week. A significant warm-up is expected for Thursday and Friday, with temperatures forecast to rise well above normal, potentially reaching the mid-60s to mid-70s degrees Fahrenheit. Quieter weather is anticipated early next week, though forecast models hint at a developing system mid-next week that we will continue to monitor.![]()
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Grab our app at skywarn.us/podcast. Click the big orange button, and install our SKYWARN app from there to easily access both the podcast and our streaming channel!
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