Rain sloshes east, an October wind howls...

(update, 9:00 pm). The line of storms continues to weaken, pushing east of the St. Croix River into Wisconsin. A million dollar rain fell on much of central Minnesota, where the storms were most intense. At last report 1.3" of rain fell on St. Cloud, roughly 10-14 days worth of rain, most of it falling in less than 2 hours! Rainfall amounts were substantially lower in the Twin Cities, generally under .25". Friday's rain is came at a very good time for Minnesota farmers (who have been hoping for a significant, soaking rain). No more rain through Monday, just a cold northwest wind tonight (gusting to 35 mph) and a definite whiff of wind chill. Grab a heavy jacket if you're heading outside...the breeze should keep the air stirred up, preventing a widespread frost or freeze Saturday morning. Temperatures will remain stunted in the 50s Saturday, an annoying wind and more clouds than sun making it look and feel more like mid October than mid May. Spring fever will be nowhere in sight Saturday. Sunday looks like a different story as winds ease, the sun shines, the birds chirp, accompanied by a symphony of lawn mowers....temperatures mellowing into the 60s, your faith in a (battered) Minnesota spring restored.