TWIN CITIES, MINNESOTA - The Twin Cities are set to experience a shift in the weather over the next several days, starting with rain and ending with the first real taste of winter. Here's what to expect as the week unfolds:

Rest of Monday: Rain and Gusty Winds Take Hold
Cloud cover has been on the increase this afternoon with rain expected to spread across the region from south to north by mid-afternoon. Rainfall totals could reach 0.47 inches during the day, with an additional 0.89 inches expected overnight.

Winds will pick up significantly, with gusts of up to 35 mph possible by this evening, adding to the soggy conditions.

Tuesday: Showers Fade, Winds Persist
Tuesday will start off wet, with lingering rain tapering to sprinkles by mid-morning. The afternoon will remain cloudy but dry for most areas, with winds shifting to the west and gusting up to 35 mph possible. Highs will be slightly warmer tomorrow nearing 53°F, before dropping to a low of 34°F as the evening brings increasing clouds and a chance of flurries.

Wednesday: A Winter Preview with Snow and Cold Winds
The transition to winter-like weather begins Wednesday morning as light snow moves into the region around the backside of the low pressure working through the region. Accumulations are expected to be minimal, less than an inch for most, with around 0.2 inches during the day and another 0.1 inches overnight being likely. The combination of snow showers, strong westerly winds gusting up to 30 mph, and colder temperatures will make it feel much chillier. Highs will struggle to reach 34°F, with lows dipping to 29°F. Wind chills could dip into the middle to upper teens beginning Wednesday afternoon.

The above graphics are provided by the National Weather Service - Twin Cities. Winter Weather Graphic. Wind Graphic.

Thursday and Beyond: Colder Air Settles In
By Thursday, flurries will linger, with temperatures only reaching 37°F under overcast skies. A northwest wind will continue to bring in colder air, setting the stage for a sharp temperature drop. Overnight lows Thursday will approach 20°F in western Minnesota, with mid to upper teens possible Friday and Saturday nights. Winds chills in the middle to upper teens will be possible Wednesday night into the morning hours on Thursday.

Daytime highs through the weekend will hover in the mid-20s to mid-30s, with limited warming expected until early next week. Long-range forecasts suggest even colder air could sweep into the region by the end of November, increasing the likelihood of more widespread wintry precipitation.

Prepare for the Week Ahead

While significant snowfall is not expected, reduced visibility and gusty winds could create challenging conditions for commuters on Wednesday and Thursday. Now is the time to prepare for winter driving and dig out those warmer coats. Remember, bridges will freeze before the roadways, so watch for slick conditions on area bridges.