Heavy Rain and 35 mph Winds Hit Fargo Before Tuesday Vote

A low-pressure system is moving into the region, bringing sustained rainfall and high winds that will persist through Tuesday.

Rain showers began arriving from the southwest late Sunday night. Heavier precipitation pushed into the central and southern parts of the area between mid-morning and late evening Monday. Forecasters indicate the heaviest rain will remain south of Highway 200. Total rainfall in these central and southern zones is projected to reach 2 to 3 inches by Tuesday night. Northern areas will likely receive less precipitation.

Wind conditions will accompany the rain. Gusts of 25 to 35 mph are expected between Monday and Tuesday. These winds will drag cooler air into the region, lowering temperatures from the 50s on Monday to the 40s on Tuesday. The wind and cloud cover will keep Monday as the warmest day of the workweek, with a high of 58 degrees. Tuesday, Election Day, will see scattered showers and wind, with temperatures ranging from a low of 44 degrees to a high of 48 degrees.

Wraparound showers will linger in some areas on Tuesday. There is a possibility that light rain will continue in parts of northwest Minnesota into Wednesday morning. The remainder of the week will be cooler and drier. Lows are expected to be in the 30s and highs in the 40s for Thursday and Friday. By the weekend, some areas may warm back into the 50s.

The weather pattern marks a shift from the mild, cloudy conditions of the weekend. Sunday afternoon ended with comfortable temperatures, but the new system introduces active weather for the start of November. Model guidance suggests measurable rain and strong winds will affect the region through the early part of the week.

Forecasters note that the rain and wind may impact Tuesday's activities. The combination of steady rain and gusty winds is the primary focus for the next two days. After the system moves out, the sky will remain partly to mostly cloudy, but rain-free weather is expected for the rest of the week.