Central Minnesota Under Severe Thunderstorm Watch

(KNSI) – Central Minnesota has been included in a severe thunderstorm watch issued until 9:00 p.m. Monday by the National Weather Service.

It affects the entire KNSI listening area in Benton, Sherburne, and Stearns Counties. Kandiyohi, Meeker, and Wright Counties are also listed.

Much of the state is at an enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms, the third stage of a five-part scale of increasing certainty for bad weather. NWS says multiple rounds of thunderstorms containing hail and damaging winds are possible. The agency cannot rule out the possibility of isolated tornadoes as well.

The storms originated in North and South Dakota and are being fueled by excessive heat and high humidity. Sunday and Monday registered the highest heat index values of the year. Some places in the area saw it feel like over 105 degrees.

The chance for severe weather fades as temperatures drop overnight. Highs in the 70s are expected for much of the rest of the week.

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