Hot and humid; strong to severe t-storms possible late afternoon and evening

We'll have a summery Dad's day, with high temperatures reaching the 90s over southern and central Minnesota:

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Some spots in the Twin Cities metro area could hit 94 degrees.

Northern Minnesota will see mostly 80s.

Dew point temperatures will be in the 60s over southern and central Minnesota, which will generate heat index values of 95 to 100 degrees in many spots. The heat index could approach 105 degrees in parts of west central Minnesota.

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A heat advisory is in effect from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. today for much of southern and central Minnesota, including most of the Twin Cities metro area:

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Twin Cities NWS

Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous outdoor activities this afternoon.

Severe weather risk

A cold front will sag southward this afternoon, generating some mid to late afternoon thunderstorms over central Minnesota. The thunderstorms are expected to move into the Twin Cities metro area early this evening.

Here is the forecast rainfall pattern, from today through Monday, from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s North American Mesoscale Forecast System:

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NOAA/NAM data, via College of DuPage

The Storm Prediction Center of the National Weather Service shows an enhanced risk of severe weather over much of Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, today and tonight:

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Storm Prediction Center/National Weather service

Other areas in Minnesota and western Wisconsin are in the slight risk area.

Large hail and damaging thunderstorm winds are the main severe weather risks later today and tonight, but a tornado is also possible.

Here are the risk categories that are used by the National Weather Service:

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Storm Ptediction Center/National Weather Service

If you are traveling later this afternoon or this evening, it would be good to stay aware of which county you are in.  Severe weather warnings are issued by county.

Cooler week ahead

Highs will be cooler, and closer to normal, this coming week. Minnesota highs on Monday will be mostly in the 70s, with a few spots in southern Minnesota in the lower 80s:

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Similar highs are expected on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Monday and Tuesday should be mostly dry, with the chance of showers and thunderstorms returning on Wednesday.

I hope you enjoy your Sunday, but be alert to possible severe weather later in the day and this evening.

Programming note

You can hear my live weather updates at 7:35 a.m. and 4:35 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday on Minnesota Public Radio.