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.
The National Weather Service has issued a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 476. This watch is effective from June 28 at 11:32 PM until June 29 at 5:00 AM. This watch includes all of Rice County and the city of Faribault.![]()
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During a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH, conditions are possible for severe thunderstorms to develop. Severe thunderstorms may produce damaging winds, large hail, and dangerous lightning. It is possible that isolated tornadoes could also occur. Residents should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. Have multiple ways to receive warnings, such as weather radio, smartphone alerts, or local media. Secure outdoor objects that may be blown away by strong winds.![]()
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Keep watching Rice County Skywarn on social media for updates, and check out our Streaming Channel at skywarn.us/streaming for up-to-the-minute weather radar and announcements. Only able to listen? Check out our podcast at skywarn.us/podcast
While we won't be sending out spotters for a mesoscale convective system, there is a 60 percent chance a severe thunderstorm watch is issued for incoming storms over the next few hours. Primary threats are strong winds and hail. Be sure to watch our streaming channel at skywarn.us/streaming for latest breaking updates.
Good morning! As we step into Saturday, June 28th, our region is under a Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms later today, with all severe modes possible. It's feeling quite muggy out there this morning with a dew point of 61 and a heat index pushing into the mid-90s this afternoon. Historically, June 28th has seen its share of extremes, like the scorching 102-degree record high in 1934.![]()
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Later this evening, we're looking at a chance of showers and thunderstorms, some of which could be severe, bringing a risk of damaging winds and significant hail, plus a 5% chance of tornadoes. Keeping an eye on local river levels is also wise, as the rivers around the area are on a slow rise. We encourage everyone to stay weather-aware today, have a plan for severe weather, and monitor official forecasts .![]()
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Rice County Skywarn is here to help our community stay safe by supporting the NWS with ground-truth reports from trained volunteer storm spotters. Your safety is our priority, and we encourage you to know where to go and what to do if a warning is issued for your area.![]()
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Current Conditions: It's 68 degrees at 6:17 am in Faribault, with wind from the south at 3 mph. Relative humidity is 79%, feeling a bit muggy with a dew point of 61. We picked up a trace of precipitation, and the barometric pressure is rising. Almanac for Saturday, June 28: Record high 102 in 1934, high 62 in 1923. Record low 39 in 1911. 0.9 inches of precipitation today in 2024.![]()
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The NWS Weather Story indicates another round of storms expected this evening, with all severe modes possible. SKYWARN spotter activation may be needed. Rice County is under a Slight Risk (2/5) for severe thunderstorms: 5% tornado, significant 1-inch hail, 15% damaging winds. Cannon River at CR 29 below Faribault is at Action Level (16.16 ft, rising slowly); Cannon at Northfield (894.42 ft) and Straight near Faribault (7.52 ft) is normal. Today: 40% chance of showers/thunderstorms before 10 am. Partly sunny, high near 88 (heat index up to 96). South southeast wind 5-15 mph. Tonight: Chance of showers/thunderstorms after 10 pm, some severe. Low around 69. South wind 5-10 mph.
As late June unfolds across Rice County, we often embrace the warmth, but Minnesota's weather frequently reminds us of its dramatic flair. It was 106 degrees on this day in 1934. Summer brings an increased chance of thunderstorms to Southern Minnesota, some of which can quickly become dangerous. These storms aren't just about rain; they can pack damaging winds, large hail, and even pose a tornado threat. For our Rice County community, being prepared means understanding the potential hazards, knowing how to receive weather alerts, and having a plan for where to take shelter. Staying weather-aware helps ensure everyone's safety and resilience when the skies turn threatening.![]()
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Current conditions in Faribault are 59 degrees at 5:55 am. Wind is out of the west-northwest at 7 miles per hour. The relative humidity is 79%. We picked up 1.6 inches of precipitation with the last system. The barometric pressure is Rising. For Friday, June 27th, the record high was 106 degrees in 1934, and it only got to 63 for a high in 1898. The record low was 41 back in 1907.![]()
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The National Weather Service Weather Story indicates strong to severe storms are possible, mainly across western Minnesota tonight. Additional storms are possible Saturday into Sunday, some of which may be strong or severe.![]()
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Today, expect patchy fog before 8 am, otherwise cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 76. West northwest wind around 5 mph. Tonight, partly cloudy, with a low around 62. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph after midnight.
Happy Thursday, Rice County! "On this day" in Minnesota weather history, June 26th holds some dramatic contrasts. Back in 1934, our state sweltered under an incredible 106-degree record high, a stark reminder of how intense summer heat can become. Yet, the same date in 1902 saw a remarkably cool low of just 40 degrees! This variability truly defines Minnesota summers, which can swing from oppressive heat to refreshing cool-downs, often accompanied by active weather.![]()
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Speaking of active weather, we've certainly seen our share of rain lately, picking up a good amount with our last system. Today, keep an eye on the skies as more showers and thunderstorms are expected, some of which could bring heavy rainfall to our region. ![]()
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Current conditions in Faribault this morning show temperatures at 63 degrees with a north wind at 3 miles per hour and 79% relative humidity. We've received 8 tenths of an inch of precipitation from the last system, and the barometric pressure is steady. On this day in 2024, we had 0.06 inches of precipitation.![]()
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The National Weather Service's weather story indicates an increasing trend in temperatures through the weekend, with hot and humid conditions returning Saturday and Sunday. Showers and thunderstorms are expected today, potentially bringing heavy rain and some severe storms, especially in far southern Minnesota this afternoon. Precipitation should end this evening, leading to a drier Friday, though more showers and thunderstorms are possible with the weekend heat and humidity. For Rice County specifically, showers and thunderstorms are likely today with an 80% chance of precipitation, and new rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible, with a high near 73. Overnight tonight, there's a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms with a low around 63.
THE TORNADO WATCH has been CANCELLED for the remainder of the evening. The FLOOD WATCH remains in effect until tomorrow at 7 a.m.
5:30 p.m. UPDATE: We have no active WARNINGS in Rice County at this time. A recent Mesoscale Discussion that was issued by the Storm Prediction Center indicates that Rice County is still in a risk of tornadoes for the next few hours, however much of this risk will be in a line from Owatonna to Rochester to La Crosse. Stay weather aware for the remainder of your evening!
5pm UPDATE: FUNNEL CLOUD REPORTED BY TRAINED SPOTTER![]()
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The National Weather Service in the Twin Cities has issued a![]()
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* Tornado Warning for...![]()
Southeastern Rice County in south central Minnesota...![]()
Southwestern Goodhue County in southeastern Minnesota...![]()
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* Until 530 PM CDT.![]()
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* At 458 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a![]()
tornado was located 6 miles east of Faribault, moving east at 20![]()
mph.![]()
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HAZARD...Tornado.![]()
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SOURCE...Weather spotters reported funnel cloud.![]()
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IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught![]()
without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or![]()
destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows and vehicles will![]()
occur. Tree damage is likely.![]()
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* Locations impacted include...![]()
Kenyon, Nerstrand, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park and Ruskin.![]()
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PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...![]()
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Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a well-built![]()
building away from windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home,![]()
or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect![]()
yourself from flying debris.
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