A lovely day to end July

Dew points have been down in the comfortable range for the third consecutive breezy day.  Scattered thunderstorms have rumbled across the Arrowhead this afternoon, but the rest of the state has been rain-free.

July has been quite a wet month for most of Minnesota. My backyard rain gauge recorded 8.40 inches during the month. Nearby MSP Airport picked up 7.32 inches while St. Cloud got 7.18 inches. Rochester got 4.94 inches. The north has been much drier. Duluth measured 3.01 inches and International Falls recorded just 1.47 inches.

This evening we can enjoy a moon that was full at 5:43 a.m. Friday morning. It will rise at 8:40 p.m. in the Twin Cities this evening, right about the time the sun sets.

Saturday's moon rise should be even prettier as the slightly-waning moon will rise in the darkening skies after sunset.

Most of Saturday will be a benign day with highs from the low to mid 80s. Dew points will climb toward and into the 60s, especially in the evening. Scattered thunderstorms will develop with the heating of the afternoon. Some strong to severe thunderstorms are likely in southwestern Minnesota by late afternoon and then advance across mainly the southern third of Minnesota Saturday evening and into the night. There is a chance of severe storms in or near the metro area Saturday evening.

Sunday should be pleasant with warm temperatures and a gradual lowering of dew points courtesy of a northwest wind. There will be a chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms in northern and eastern Minnesota, mainly during the afternoon and evening.

Meanwhile, out in the Pacific Ocean

Hurricane Guillermo's sustained winds have increased to 105 miles per hour as it tracks toward the west-northwest at 18 miles per hour. Guillermo is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane by Saturday and then advance toward Hawaii next week.

Travelers preparing to visit the Aloha State can get the latest reports and forecasts for this storm the National Hurricane Center.