Western, central and northern Minnesota under windy, dry weather conditions 

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It’ll feel summer-like today as temperatures soar into the 80s across southern Minnesota. A developing system will touch off storms Thursday, some could be severe.

Almost hot Wednesday with storms on the way Thursday 

It’ll be a ‘dry heat’ but it will still be very warm Wednesday afternoon. Highs will surge into the 80s across southern Minnesota with 90-degrees possible in parts of western Minnesota. Those readings are 20 to 30 degrees above normal on this Earth Day. 

Critical fire weather conditions develop again midday today into the afternoon and evening as winds pick up from the south at 15-25 mph and afternoon relative humidity values drop below 30 percent. Red flag warnings are posted for portions of Minnesota Wednesday afternoon. 

We’re still watching a developing system that will allow moisture to surge northward tonight into Thursday. Dew points will increase into the 50s to even near 60-degrees by Thursday afternoon.

Thunderstorms are likely to develop Thursday afternoon in western Minnesota and track eastward. Storms that develop could be strong to severe with isolated tornadoes, large hail and damaging wind gusts possible. 

NOAA’s storm prediction center has a slight risk (level 2 of 5) for severe storms across portions of southern Minnesota extending southward.

Behind the thunderstorms will come some cooler air for Friday into the weekend and early next week. Temperatures won’t be as cold as last weekend but will rather be closer to normal. Highs Friday will be in the 60s and 50s mostly. 

Another system may deliver rain late Sunday into Monday for southern Minnesota but forecast models differ on track for that disturbance. 

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Sven Sundgaard

Author

It’ll feel summer-like today as temperatures soar into the 80s across southern Minnesota. A developing system will touch off storms Thursday, some could be severe. 

Incredibly warm Wednesday with strong storms Thursday

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