Forecasters Calling for Heat, Humidity and Severe Storms Monday

(KNSI) – Forecasters say central Minnesota is in line for some potentially wicked weather.

Heat will be the name of the game for the remainder of Sunday and especially Monday.

A heat advisory is in effect until 8:00 p.m. Monday night for Benton and Stearns Counties for a low temperature of only 72 Sunday night with highs around 90 on Monday. Dew points will be pushing heat index values close to 100. Sherburne County is under heat advisory until 1:00 Monday afternoon and then an excessive heat warning in effect until 8:00 Monday night. For the heat advisory heat index values will be into the triple digits. For the excessive heat warning it will be dangerously hot with heat index values over 105 expected.

Keep related illnesses increased significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events. For those who must work outside, experts say to drink plenty of fluids, wear light colored clothing and take frequent breaks in air conditioning. Stay out of the sun as much as possible and also check in on those who may be elderly or may not have air conditioning.

The second part of the weather picture is the chance for severe thunderstorms.

Thunderstorms are expected to develop over South Dakota Monday afternoon and become a cluster or a line as they progress Eastward into Minnesota through Monday evening. Damaging winds, large hail, and even a few tornadoes are possible. This could also be another locally heavy rainfall event with flash flooding. Central Minnesota has moved into the enhanced category or three out of five.

Have a way to get watches and warnings on Monday and review your severe weather safety plan.

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