Heat advisory; severe storms possible this afternoon and evening
Most of Minnesota will have summery heat and humidity today. Dew points in the upper 60s to low 70s will be common, with highs topping 90 in many spots:
Much of northern Minnesota will see 80s, with cooler 70s along the north shore of Lake Superior.
Heat index values will be around 100 over most of central and southern Minnesota this afternoon and early evening. The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for those areas from noon until 9 p.m.:
It would be a good idea to stay hydrated this afternoon through early evening and avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
Severe thunderstorm risk
The atmosphere will destabilize this afternoon over Minnesota and western Wisconsin, and some thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and this evening. We could see thunderstorms in the Twin Cities anytime from around mid-afternoon into this evening.
Here is the forecast rainfall pattern, today through Sunday morning, from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s North American Mesoscale Forecast System:
The Storm Prediction Center of the National Weather Service indicates an enhanced risk of severe weather from east-central Minnesota into western Wisconsin today and tonight. The enhanced risk area includes most of the Twin Cities metro area. Much of the remainder of Minnesota is in the slight risk category:
Large hail and damaging thunderstorm winds are the main severe weather threats, but a few tornadoes will also be possible.
Here are the severe weather category definitions:
If you are traveling today, stay aware of which county you are in, because warnings are issued by county.
Warm Saturday, cooler Sunday
Dew points should be slightly lower on Saturday, and high temps will be slightly cooler in many spots:
Southern Minnesota will still see highs in the 90s.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible late Saturday.
On Sunday, 80s return to central and southeastern Minnesota, and much of northern Minnesota will have highs in the 70s:
Some 60s are possible in northeastern Minnesota on Sunday.
There is a chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms on Sunday. There will be a good chance of occasional showers and thunderstorms from Sunday night through Monday.
I hope that you have a good weekend!