Storms northwest, metro on stormy edges Thursday AM
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Steamy to partly stormy
The thermometer blinked 91 degrees at MSP Airport at 2:38 pm Wednesday afternoon. That's our 12th day at or above 90 this year at MSP.
The 30-year annual average? 11 days. Yes, we've already blown past the average number of 90-degree days for an entire year. And we're not done yet. We've also already doubled 6 days of 90-degree heat we managed in the past two years combined.
It's a 'for real' summer this year.
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Dew points hover around the sultry 70-degree. Combine the two weather factors and the heat index, or 'feels-like' temp hit a respectable 95 degrees. The deep red heat index map screams summer.
Storm front
The next low pressure wave pushes east toward Minnesota Thursday. The system triggers thunderstorms with severe potential over the Red River Valley and northwest Minnesota, pushing across Minnesota overnight. A tornado watch runs until 11 pm for the Red River Valley and northwest Minnesota.
Twin Cities: AM rush hour thunder?
The primary forecast question for the Twin Cites? How much oomph will a likely fading line of T-Storms have as it approaches the metro during the AM rush hours Thursday? NOAA's NAM 4 km model I think accurately captures the notion of a line of strong to severe storms overnight in northern and central Minnesota, probably fading in intensity as it dives southeast toward the Twin Cities early Thursday morning.
Fresh front Friday
The bigger weather picture revolves around Thursday's low pressure system, and the free AC front it pushes through Minnesota. Northwest flow behind the front scours out our sauna-like humidity with fresh, comfortable breezes and pleasantly lower dew points.
The maps tell a story of another spectacular summer weekend in Minnesota. Does it get any better than this? Trust me, when it comes to weather, somebody will find a way to complain.
The longer range maps still hint at a couple more 90+ degree days next week.
To this meteorologist and Minnesota weather consumer, our mix of occasional heat punctuated by pleasant cool fronts makes this one of the best summers in recent memory.
Enjoy!
Fires near Yellowstone N.P.
Smoke plumes are visible from wildfires burning near Jackson and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming Wednesday.
Here's the latest from the National Interagency Fire Center.
