Summery today; thunderstorms at times Friday, Saturday

Our average high temperature in the Twin Cities is 72 degrees this time of year. We will overachieve today!

We'll surge past 72 degrees before noon, and our afternoon high temperature will be well into the 80s. Most of southern and central Minnesota will see 80s today:

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Temperatures in the 70s will be common over northern Minnesota, but cooler 60s are expected along the north shore of Lake Superior.

An isolated thunderstorm is possible later this afternoon or this evening, with a better chance of thunderstorms later tonight.

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Severe risk

The Storm Prediction Center of the National Weather Service shows an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms today and tonight for much of Nebraska and Kansas:

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NWS Storm Prediction Center

Much of southern Minnesota has a marginal risk of severe weather.

Rain returns

Periods of rain and some thunderstorms are expected from Friday through Saturday:

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Impressive rainfall totals are possible Friday through Saturday over about the southeastern half of Minnesota, including the Twin Cities metro area. Some areas could see 2 inches of rain:

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National Weather Service Twin Cities

Rain activity becomes scattered by Sunday, and there will be a small chance of rain on Memorial Day.

Foss Lake wildfire update

The Foss Lake wildfire began last Thursday near Foss Lake in Superior National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service announced Wednesday evening that the fire is 95 percent contained: