Hot Tuesday Turns Stormy Tonight, Ushering in Cooler, Wetter Week

(KNSI) — The National Weather Service says today will be hot and sticky, but it may end with a bang, kicking off a cooler, wetter weather pattern.

The high for today in central Minnesota is expected to be in the upper 80s, and already this morning, dewpoints have been in the upper 60s to low 70s, creating a more tropical feel. However, it won’t stay.

The area is under a slight risk, or two out of five, for severe weather today. Forecasters say the window is between 3:00 and 10:00 p.m., with the primary concerns being heavy rainfall, damaging wind gusts, and hail. After those move out, we’re looking at the potential for multiple rounds of slow-moving thunderstorms that will continue into Wednesday morning, bringing the threat of locally heavy rainfall. The good news is that because this rain will fall over a longer period rather than all at once, the flash flooding threat remains limited. However, there may still be some minor street flooding and ponding of water in typical trouble spots.

After the rain moves out Wednesday evening, cooler temperatures and drier air move in behind it, but there is another chance for showers that pops up Friday. There’s a chance for rain each day through at least Monday.

For those who have to be outside today, the National Weather Service says to drink plenty of water throughout the day, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and, as always, never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.

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