Warm and active weather continues

After a stormy Tuesday, the weather turns much quieter Wednesday.  The drier break will be brief though, with more storms possible Thursday.

As forecast, Tuesday brought severe weather to portions of Minnesota, especially across southern Minnesota.  Here is the enhanced satellite image from Tuesday afternoon and evening, showing some of those severe storms firing up:

Storm reports from the severe storms included hail reports from central Minnesota, and wind, hail and tornado reports in southern Minnesota.  A tornado was reported around the Garden City, Mapleton and Waldorf areas in Blue Earth County.

Wednesday’s forecast

The front that passed through Minnesota late Monday into Tuesday has now passed entirely through the state. The drier air behind the front not only means sunnier skies, but the humidity is much lower. Slightly cooler air has also moved in, so it will not be as hot, and afternoon highs will be in the 70s and 80s. 

This still puts much of the state 5 to 10 degrees above average, but it is a break from the 90s and high heat indices many saw Monday and Tuesday.

Extended forecast

By Wednesday night, a cold front starts moving into northern Minnesota, which should pass through the state by Thursday evening. 

This could bring some isolated showers and storms to northern Minnesota overnight Wednesday, and throughout the state Thursday.  The highest chance for scattered showers and storms is across southern Minnesota Thursday afternoon and evening, and that includes a slight severe weather risk for southwestern Minnesota. 

It currently looks like another round of showers and storms could moves across Minnesota from Saturday afternoon into Sunday. Temperatures stay above average and in the 70s and 80s through the next seven days. 

We could even see a few more 90s early next week.

Programming note

 You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:48 a.m. Monday through Friday morning.