NOAA Predicts Warmer Fall In Minnesota, But Will It Rain?
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued its predictions for this fall, and it looks to be a warmer one. The 90-day outlook came on August 20th, 2026, and most of the United States will see a warmer fall, fueled by a strong El Niño.
Strong El Niño In 2026
The El Niño weather pattern will bring above-average temperatures to Minnesota and Wisconsin, which is welcomed by most of us clinging to summer before the cold sets in. If you live near Lake Superior, you really hope for a nice long fall, since we don't really get a spring next to the lake.
NOAA puts three different categories on their map: Above Normal, Equal Chances, and Below Normal.
Above Average Temperatures Across US
As you can see on the map, almost all of the US, including Alaska, has above-normal chances of warmer temperatures. Nowhere on the NOAA prediction map shows below-normal chances.
Minnesota Experiencing Severe To Extreme Drought
However, the big question is whether we will get any rain. We are currently in an extreme drought in much of Minnesota.
In some places, the drought is the worst it has been in 3 years. I don't know about you, but I've barely had to mow my lawn this year. I haven't mowed my backyard in over a month - no joke!
Read More: What A Super El Niño Means For Minnesota Winter
The good news is we aren't supposed to receive less rain than average, but the bad news is we aren't expecting more rain than average. NOAA puts our region at an equal chance of fall precipitation.
LOOK: The most extreme temperatures in the history of every state
Gallery Credit: Anuradha Varanasi
