Storms target southeastern Minnesota
Parts of the state are now in severe drought
A potent storm system is exiting the state, but not without another potential round of severe weather Thursday. Meanwhile, recent rain has not been enough to help worsening drought conditions in central and northeastern Minnesota.
Wednesday was a busy weather day across Minnesota with both severe weather and extreme heat. The severe weather included damaging winds, large hail, and a couple tornado reports, including the deadly tornado near Dalton in Otter Tail County.
The same storm funneled in high temperatures and humidity leading to dangerous heat index reports of well over 100 degrees in some parts of southern and central Minnesota.
These were the highest heat index readings reported:
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Thursday’s forecast
That same storm is bringing showers and storms to southern Minnesota Thursday morning as it slowly moves out.
While skies clear across central and most of northern Minnesota, it is the southern and eastern edges of the state, especially southeastern Minnesota, that are most likely to see continued showers and storms Thursday.
The morning storm activity is diminishing, but it will redevelop in the afternoon, and there is a risk for additional severe weather in southeastern Minnesota, particularly in the afternoon and evening hours.
Both temperatures and dew points will be slightly lower Thursday. Highs will be in the 80s, and especially for northern Minnesota, drier air has moved in, making it far less humid.
Extended forecast
Friday stays dry and mostly sunny for most of Minnesota, with highs in the 80s. By Friday evening, another disturbance starts making its way into western Minnesota, bringing chances for scattered showers and storms through Saturday.
Drier skies return for most of Minnesota by Sunday. Temperatures will actually be closer to average over the weekend, versus our recent above average trend, with more 80s and a few highs in the 70s for northern Minnesota.
Here is the Twin Cities forecast through the weekend:
Drought intensifies
Recent rain has not been enough to slow the spreading drought conditions in central and northeastern Minnesota.
For the first time since 2018, the state is now seeing areas of severe drought, including around the Duluth area.
Programming note
You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:48 a.m. Monday through Friday morning.