Isolated thunder, warm and humid

It was a thundery Thursday morning wake-up call, as some strong thunderstorms moved through parts of the Twin Cities metro area.

There was a report of large hail a few miles northwest of Watertown, but most of us had heavy rain, frequent lightning and small hail as the morning storms rumbled through.

Some isolated thunderstorms are still possible today and tonight, and more widespread thunderstorms could move through late Friday and Friday night.

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

The Storm Prediction Center of the National Weather Service indicates a marginal risk of severe weather for southeastern Minnesota and southwestern Wisconsin today:

The National Weather Service also indicates a slight risk of severe weather Friday and Friday night for much of Minnesota and western Wisconsin:

On the left side of the graphic, you can see the projected heat index values for later this (Thursday) afternoon. The heat and humidity will give us heat index values in the mid 90s over parts of southwestern Minnesota, and our Twin Cities heat index will be close to 90.

An impressive warmup

Here are the projected high temperatures today:

Temperatures in the 90s are expected over southwestern Minnesota, with 80s over central Minnesota and cooler temps to the northeast.

Sticky dew point temperatures will cover much of southern and central Minnesota.

High temperatures in the 90s will expand into the Twin Cities and central Minnesota tomorrow:

Areas along the North Shore of Lake Superior will be cooler tomorrow, with highs in the 70s.

Saturday looks warm and steamy for much of Minnesota:

One computer model shows highs in the cooler 80s for much of Minnesota on Sunday. We'll see.

In the meantime, drink plenty of fluids the next few days and avoid strenuous activities.