Did you know that summer thunderstorms in Southern Minnesota can unleash a variety of intense and localized impacts? Today's date in history holds stark reminders. On July 7, 2000, northern Dakota County, not far from Rice County, experienced torrential rains, with 8 inches falling in just 3 to 5 hours, causing significant flooding in Eagan. Even more dramatically, on this day in 1955, a tornado struck Marshall, leaving one dead and 13 injured, with hail causing a million dollars in damage. These events underscore how quickly summer weather can turn severe and how crucial it is to be aware of the potential for sudden, powerful storms.![]()
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This potential for intense weather is why staying weather-aware is crucial today. Rice County has an active hazardous weather outlook, as scattered thunderstorms are expected late this afternoon and evening. A few of these storms may be severe, primarily west of I-35, with large hail and damaging winds being the main threats. We are currently under a Marginal Risk for severe thunderstorms, which is a 1 out of 5 on the severe weather scale. This indicates a 5% probability of one-inch diameter hail and a 5% probability of damaging winds. Given these risks, SKYWARN spotter activation may be needed.![]()
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Beyond the severe weather potential this evening, we're looking at typical summertime weather through the rest of the week, balancing warm temperatures with periodic chances for moisture. In Faribault this morning, it's 64 degrees with 81% relative humidity and steady barometric pressure. Historically, July 7th has seen a wide range of temperatures in Minnesota, from a scorching 102 degrees in 1936 to a remarkably cool low of 44 in 1896. We picked up a trace of precipitation on this day in 2024. Today, expect mostly sunny skies with a high near 83, transitioning to a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms tonight, mainly after 2 am, with a low around 65. The next chance for more widespread rain across the region is expected overnight Thursday through Friday.![]()
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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!
Current conditions in Faribault this Sunday morning are 67 degrees. Wind is out of the north-northwest at 6 miles per hour, with 78% relative humidity and a dew point of 60. We picked up one and a half inches of precipitation with the last system, and the barometric pressure is rising. On this day in 2024, a trace of precipitation was recorded.![]()
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Today, Rice County has no significant weather threats. Expect a pleasant day of dry weather and abundant sunshine, with a high near 82 degrees and a north wind around 5 mph. Tonight will bring mostly clear skies, with a low around 60 degrees.![]()
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Looking ahead, our weather pattern shifts. Scattered showers and storms return for the second half of Monday. Isolated damaging wind gusts and large hail will be the main threats for Southern Minnesota. Highs will be in the lower 80s through midweek.![]()
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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 1999, Minnesota's Arrowhead region saw extreme flooding, with a staggering 8.84 inches of rain in 24 hours in central St. Louis County. While Rice County isn't facing a flood threat, occasional showers and thunderstorms are expected, with some bringing heavy rain to southern and eastern Minnesota, including our region.![]()
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Current conditions in Faribault this Saturday, July 5th, show it's 73 degrees at 7:54 am, feeling muggy with a 65-degree dew point and 77% relative humidity. The wind is out of the south at 5 miles per hour, and the barometric pressure is falling. We picked up nearly seven-tenths of an inch of precipitation with our last system. On this day in 2024, Rice County recorded one and a half inches of precipitation.![]()
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For Rice County today, showers and thunderstorms are likely, mainly before 5 pm, potentially bringing new rainfall between half and three-quarters of an inch. Some storms may contain gusty winds. While no significant threats exist, localized heavy downpours can still cause issues like ponding on roads. Drier weather returns tonight, with only a 30 percent chance of storms before 8 pm, leading into a mostly cloudy night with a low around 62.![]()
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Historically, July 5th's record high was 98 degrees in 1948 and record low was 39 back in 1967. Drier weather is forecast for tonight and Sunday, offering a break from recent unsettled conditions.![]()
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For a great 2 or 3 minute, hands-off listening experience, where you'll hear everything you need to know weather-wise to get you through your day, visit skywarn.us/podcast for our Rice County Skywarn up-to-the-minute Podcast! You can also install our SKYWARN app from there to easily access both the podcast and our streaming channel.
Happy 4th of July everyone! While we often associate summer with sunshine and warmth, intense thunderstorms are also common. On this day in 1999, severe winds caused catastrophic damage in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, knocking down millions of trees and injuring 19 people. Earlier, in 1962, the town of Jackson experienced an incredibly heavy downpour, receiving 7.5 inches of rain in just two hours.![]()
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Current conditions in Faribault this morning are 78 degrees with muggy air and a dew point of 71, and the barometric pressure is rising. It's going to be a very hot Independence Day across Rice County. Highs in the low 90s combined with high humidity will make it feel like 100 degrees or more this afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for our area due to these conditions. Staying cool and well-hydrated, taking frequent breaks, and limiting strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day are crucial steps to take if you plan to be outdoors celebrating.![]()
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Beyond the heat, there's also a severe weather risk to monitor. Rice County is currently under a Marginal Risk for severe thunderstorms. This is the lowest level on a 1-to-5 scale, meaning isolated strong storms are possible. Specifically, there is a 5% probability of possibly damaging winds, which could impact outdoor plans. Our latest forecast indicates most of the area will likely remain dry until showers and thunderstorms move in late tonight, with storm chances continuing into tomorrow. Historically, July 4th has seen broad temperature extremes in Minnesota, from a record high of 102 degrees in 1990 to a low high of only 58 in 1967, and a record low of 42 in 1972, showcasing the diverse weather possible for this date.![]()
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For the latest radar imagery, historical and future radar, weather outlooks, and weather alerts specific to Rice County, visit skywarn.us/streaming for our Rice County Skywarn Streaming Channel. It's an invaluable resource to help you stay informed and safe throughout the day and into the holiday weekend, providing real-time updates directly to your screen.
As warm, humid air converges with an approaching cold front, the atmosphere becomes increasingly unstable, setting the stage for the kind of active weather we anticipate over the next few days.![]()
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It's 67 degrees this Thursday morning at 5:55 am in Faribault, with a light south wind at 3 mph and 79% humidity. We picked up nearly two-tenths of an inch of precipitation with our last system. Today, Rice County is under a Marginal Risk for severe thunderstorms, the lowest level on a 1-to-5 scale. Isolated thunderstorms are possible this evening, with hail and strong winds being the primary threats, each having a 5% probability of occurrence. Even low probabilities mean it's wise to remain vigilant, as localized impacts can still occur. Historically, July 3rd has seen extremes, from a record high of 98 degrees in 1949 to a low of 44 in 1967, and we recorded a tenth of an inch of rain on this day in 2024.![]()
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Heat index values are expected to rise into the upper 80s to lower 90s today, making it feel significantly warmer than the actual air temperature. This combination of heat and high humidity will continue to fuel multiple chances for storms across the Upper Midwest through Saturday. Another round of strong storms is anticipated to move through our region Friday into Friday night, especially along an approaching cold front. These storms could bring quick downpours even if severe modes don't materialize for everyone. While SKYWARN spotter activation is not expected at this time, it's always important for everyone in Rice County to stay weather-aware and know how to receive official weather alerts, ensuring you are prepared for rapidly changing conditions.![]()
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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!
Did you know that while the thermometer might read 85 degrees in Rice County today, it could feel significantly hotter due to humidity? This "feels like" temperature is known as the heat index. When the air is humid, your body's sweat doesn't evaporate as efficiently, making it harder to cool down. With high humidity forecast to combine with rising temperatures through the Fourth of July, creating heat index values well into the 90s, understanding this difference is crucial for your comfort and safety. Staying hydrated and limiting strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day are important steps to take when the heat index is high.![]()
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Current conditions in Faribault this Wednesday, July 2nd, show 63 degrees at 5:55 am, with 82% relative humidity and steady barometric pressure. Historically, July 2nd had a record high of 100 degrees in 1911 and only 67 in 1924. The record low was 40 in 2001. We picked up 0.6 inches of precipitation on this day in 2024.![]()
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Rice County has an active hazardous weather outlook today and tonight, as we are under a Marginal Risk for severe thunderstorms. This is the lowest level on a 1-to-5 scale, but isolated storms are still possible this afternoon, mainly after 4 PM, and continuing into the evening before 1 AM. The primary threats from these storms are a 5% probability of one-inch diameter hail and a 5% probability of damaging winds. While SKYWARN spotter activation is not expected at this time, it's always wise to remain weather aware.![]()
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Looking ahead, hot and humid conditions will persist through the Fourth of July weekend. Heat index values are expected to reach into the 90s on Thursday and Friday. Another round of strong storms is forecast to move through the Upper Midwest on Friday, so continue to monitor the forecast as we approach the holiday.![]()
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For a great 2 or 3 minute, hands-off listening experience, where you'll hear everything you need to know weather-wise to get you through your day, visit skywarn.us/podcast for our Rice County Skywarn up-to-the-minute Podcast! You can also install our SKYWARN app from there to easily access both the podcast and our streaming channel.
Did you know that July often marks the peak of summer's energy across Southern Minnesota, including Rice County? While we enjoy many sunny, warm days perfect for outdoor activities, this season also brings a significant increase in thunderstorm activity. The combination of warmth, humidity, and atmospheric instability frequently creates conditions ripe for robust storms, making July a key month for understanding typical summer weather patterns.![]()
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Current conditions in Faribault this Tuesday, July 1st, show 62 degrees at 5:55 am, with a west-northwest wind at 5 miles per hour and 81% relative humidity. We picked up a trace of precipitation with the last system, and the barometric pressure is rising. Historically, July 1st has seen its share of extremes, with a record high of 99 degrees in 2011 and a remarkably cool high of only 62 degrees in 1986. The record low was 17 degrees back in 2003.![]()
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Today looks like a beautiful day outside for Rice County, with mostly sunny skies and lighter winds, and no significant weather threats are expected at this time. Expect a high near 83 degrees with west-northwest winds around 5 to 10 mph. Tonight will be mostly clear, with a low around 63 degrees as west winds become calm in the evening. Looking ahead, the forecast indicates a warmer and wetter trend later in the week, with Independence Day potentially bringing both heat and storms.![]()
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For comprehensive weather information tailored to our community, visit skywarn.us/streaming for our Rice County Skywarn Streaming Channel. It features the latest radar imagery, historical and future radar, weather outlooks, and essential weather alerts and forecasts to help you stay informed.
Happy Monday! For today, we have a chance of showers and thunderstorms this morning, with another slight chance this afternoon. The good news is that Rice County has no significant severe weather threats expected. Looking ahead, Tuesday looks beautiful, but warmer temperatures are on the way later in the week, with a better chance of rain and storms arriving Friday. Even when severe weather isn't threatening, staying informed about daily forecasts helps keep our community safe and prepared.![]()
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Current conditions in Faribault this morning show 67 degrees at 5:55 am, with a west-northwest wind at 9 mph. The relative humidity is 82%, making it feel a bit muggy with a dew point of 61. Barometric pressure is steady. Today is Monday, June 30th. Historically, the record high for this date was 98 degrees in 1931, while the record high only reached 60 in 1959. The record low was 45 back in 1943, and we picked up a trace of precipitation on this day in 2024.![]()
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Looking at the forecast, after our early morning rain, there's another chance for showers and thunderstorms this afternoon. Tuesday looks like a beautiful day with sunny skies, and warming will continue through the week with the best chance of rain and storms on Friday. Today's forecast includes a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 am, then a slight chance after 3 pm, with partly sunny skies and a high near 78. Tonight, there's a 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7 pm, then mostly clear skies with a low around 60.
As we near the last day of June, we're facing another day of potential severe weather. The National Weather Service indicates another round of strong to severe storms is possible. We are currently under a Marginal Risk (a 1 out of 5 on the severe weather scale) for severe thunderstorms, with damaging winds being the primary concern. While the probabilities are low, it's crucial to stay weather-aware, especially this afternoon and evening. More unsettled weather is expected through next week, potentially impacting our Fourth of July celebrations. Your Rice County Skywarn volunteers are always monitoring conditions. Remember to have multiple ways to receive warnings and know where to go for shelter if a severe storm approaches.![]()
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At 7:52 am in Faribault, it's 71 degrees with 75% relative humidity, feeling muggy with a 63-degree dew point. A tenth of an inch of precipitation was recorded with the last system, and barometric pressure is steady. Today, Sunday, June 29, the record high was 100 degrees in 1931, the low 43 in 1925, and a high of just 61 in 1923. Notably, nearly an inch of precipitation has been picked up on this day in 2024.![]()
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Rice County is under a Marginal Risk (1/5) for severe thunderstorms, with a 5% probability of one-inch hail and 5% for damaging winds. Today's Rice County forecast: 40% chance showers/thunderstorms, mainly after 1 pm, high near 83. Tonight: 30% chance showers/thunderstorms before 11 pm, low around 62.
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