Minneapolis receives around 790 mm (about 31 inches) of rain a year, with a clear summer peak from convective thunderstorms that can be severe, occasionally producing large hail, damaging straight-line wind, and even tornadoes typical of the wider Upper Midwest storm corridor. The Mississippi River, which begins its long journey through the city, has a generally gradual, well-monitored flood pattern tied to spring snowmelt, a much slower risk than the fast-developing summer thunderstorms that affect the metro area more routinely. Because these storms can build quickly on a summer afternoon, radar tracking is a genuinely practical tool during the warmer months. NWS Doppler radar KMPX (Minneapolis/Chanhassen) covers the region.
Learn more: How Does Rain Radar Work? · Open the full Rain Map