Heat and storms return to Minnesota Thursday

The recent cooler and relatively quiet weather is coming to an end as temperatures climb into the 80s and 90s and storms spread across the state.

Wednesday night

Spotty showers and storms that southern and particularly southeastern Minnesota saw during the day Wednesday have wound down. Skies across the state will be mostly clear overnight, allowing temperatures to dip into the 50s, with 40s in the Arrowhead.

Stormy weather returns

Thursday should be dry and sunny for most of the state through the morning, but by afternoon, showers and storms start moving into western Minnesota ahead of the next storm system. As the showers and storms spread throughout the state Thursday evening and into the overnight, there is a risk for severe weather, especially for the southwestern corner of the state. Damaging winds and hail are the biggest concern, but isolated tornadoes are also possible. 

The entire state likely sees mostly cloudy skies, with scattered showers and storms through Friday morning. 

Then precipitation clears out west to east from Friday afternoon through the evening. Most of the state should see at least a quarter inch precipitation, with higher amounts probable in southern Minnesota. 

The weekend turns quieter again, with dry skies likely Saturday and only spotty chances for afternoon showers or storms Sunday.

Hot weather by the weekend

By Thursday, most of the state is back in the 80s, with a few 90s possible in the southwest corner of the state.  Temperatures dip slightly Friday, due to the clouds and wet weather, back into the 70s and 80s.

Temperatures climb again by the weekend, with a few 90s possible Sunday.  It’s not just Sunday, most of the highs next week will stay above average..

Programming note

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