Hazardous air quality forecast for much of Minnesota Thursday as fires grow

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Hot, sweaty weather is upon central and southern Minnesota. The Twin Cities on Monday has reached well into the 90s. It’s our 13th 90-degree day, matching our average for the entire warm season. 

Dew points have been working their way up through the 60s. They reached the oppressive low 70s in some towns, including Litchfield, Tracy, Glencoe and Hinckley.

A heat advisory remains in effect for east-central Minnesota including the greater Twin Cities area until 7 p.m. Monday.

Showers and thunderstorms have been developing in the steamy conditions over northwestern Wisconsin, the Minnesota Arrowhead and parts of southern Minnesota.

Thunderstorms are likely to become more numerous into Monday evening. Some storms might quickly become briefly severe, mainly around the Twin Cities area and in western Wisconsin. 

A marginal (level 1 of 5) risk of severe weather has been posted for parts of Minnesota and western Wisconsin through Monday night. The main risk factor would be damaging winds.

Storms likely July 4, some could be severe

A cold front across Minnesota from northeast to southwest on Tuesday will separate hot, steamy weather with highs in the low 90s in southeastern Minnesota from comfortable highs in the 70s over about the northwestern half of the state.

Showers and thunderstorms will cross Minnesota and rain on most of the state on Tuesday. 

Morning rain will be mainly for northern and western Minnesota. Afternoon and evening storms might disrupt picnics and fireworks displays. Some storms might become severe, especially later in the day. 

A slight (level 2 of 5) risk of severe storms has been posted for much of Minnesota for Tuesday. If you are out and about, make sure you’re able to receive warnings and know where to take shelter.

Cooler temperatures will settle into all of Minnesota on Wednesday. Afternoon highs should be in the upper 60s in the north and 70s for the rest of the state. Thursday and Friday will also be a bit cooler than normal for early July.

Temperatures will warm a bit for the weekend, back up to near-normal highs for the season. Note also that Texas will be sweltering again.

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Bill Endersen

Author

Hot, humid weather will take us into a Fourth of July that could turn quite stormy. Strong-to-severe storms are possible Tuesday afternoon and evening. Have a plan to receive warnings.

Numerous storms likely July Fourth, some may be severe

Bill Endersen/MPR News

National Weather Service

Severe weather risk for Monday and Monday night

NOAA Storm Prediction Center

Severe weather risk for Tuesday and Tuesday night

Numerous storms likely July Fourth, some may be severe

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