Severe weather targets southern Minnesota

A storm system keeps statewide temperatures well above again Thursday, while bringing southeastern Minnesota both a chance for needed rain and an enhanced severe weather risk.

Thursday’s forecast

The same storm system that brought warmer air across the state again Wednesday, along with isolated showers and storms in the afternoon through the overnight, is still influencing Minnesota.

It kept temperatures well above average overnight, with most of Minnesota starting Thursday in the 60s and 70s. Highs also stay warm, with 80s expected for most of the state.

While the storm has cleared through much of the state, the associated cold front will linger over southeastern Minnesota most of Thursday. This provides the instability needed to become a firing line for showers and storms, particularly in the afternoon and evening hours.

Those conditions bring both needed rain and the risk for severe weather. The severe weather risk is predominantly for large hail and damaging winds, but there could be isolated tornadoes, particularly near the Iowa border.

While the current storm did not bring much rain across most of the state, another storm Sunday might. That extended forecast, including details on a big cool-down next week, 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.