Minnesota and Wisconsin face heavy rain and potential flooding

Significant rainfall is expected across parts of the Upper Midwest, providing much-needed moisture to drought-stricken areas in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Current forecasts indicate soaking rains through Monday evening, with totals generally ranging from one-half inch to one inch in some regions.

A more intense weather system is forecast to arrive between late Thursday and Friday, potentially bringing heavy precipitation to southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Some areas could see rainfall amounts exceeding two inches, with a narrow axis of heavier rain potentially reaching three to five inches or more. This widespread moderate to heavy rain may lead to localized flooding.

The incoming moisture arrives as much of Minnesota faces drought conditions. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 94 percent of the state is abnormally dry, with significant portions categorized as moderate, severe, or extreme drought.