High winds will bring a strong fall weather system to area today

WILLMAR - The other shoe is about to drop.

After a month of near-perfect fall weather, high winds are expected to hit the state today, bringing rain, cool temperatures and even some snow in a system that could hang around through the week.

"This is definitely a very potent fall system coming through," said Chris Franks, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Chanhassen.

As early as this afternoon the state could see rain showers move in. Southerly winds will ramp up ahead of the system that's gathering strength in the Plains, said Frank.

"The big story with this system is going to be the wind," he said.

Winds of 30 to 45 mph are expected today, which could trigger a wind advisory being issued by the weather service. Frank said it's possible winds could even be in the range of 50 to 65 mph, which would result in a high wind warning being issued.

By Tuesday the winds are expected to switch to the west, which will usher in cooler temperatures.

By Wednesday the state will "struggle to hit the 40s" said Frank, adding that some regions will experience intermittent snow, with no real accumulations.

"It'll just be cold enough that it'll probably be a rain and snow kind of mix," he said. "It'll be a miserable middle part of the week."

The weekend forecast, however, looks encouraging for trick-or-treaters.

By Saturday the rain is expected to be gone and temperatures will be close to 60. On Halloween, it should be dry with highs in the 50s.