It's not over yet: Dangerously hot and humid for much of Minnesota Thursday

The heat wave across Minnesota continues Thursday, and with the humidity climbing in recent days, much of the state will see the heat index go dangerously high.

Thursday’s forecast

Minnesota started the day warm and muggy again, with most of the state beginning in the 60s or 70s.

Our heat wave continues with most of central and southern Minnesota in the 90s, and a few 100s possible west. 

Dew points have also stayed elevated, predominantly in the 60s, and that high moisture content in the air is making for the muggy morning and will keep the day sticky. The combination of the heat and high humidity has much of the state under a heat advisory as the heat index could top 100 degrees. 

For the Twin Cities and surrounding counties, the heat advisory that has already been in place the past few days is upgraded to an excessive heat warning from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Be very careful outside Thursday, keeping any strenuous activities in the mornings and evenings when it is not as hot. Hydration, breaks and shade are very important if you need to be outside.

Skies stay mostly sunny to party cloudy again, but much like Wednesday, there will be enough instability for a few isolated showers and storms to develop, especially in the afternoon and evening. Both western and east-central Minnesota may see isolated severe storms, with high winds and large hail as the primary risks. 

The hot weather finally breaks somewhat by the end of the week, and the humidity lowers. That extended forecast will be updated around 9 a.m.

Programming note

You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:49 a.m. Monday through Friday morning.