Temperatures and storm chances are on the rise

A changing weather pattern will increase the heat, humidity, and chances for storms as we head toward the weekend.

Thursday’s forecast

The state started off crisp again Thursday, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s. While the morning started off cool, highs will be warmer than Wednesday, with more temperatures in the 80s under mostly sunny skies.

The warming temperatures are due to a pattern shift brings more of a southeast wind flow, which will draw in both warmer and more humid air.

The heat returns

On Friday, the winds will be even stronger and out of the south, increasing the heat and humidity even more. Much of the state will see highs near 90, and with dew points in the 70s, the humidity will put the heat index past 100 degrees for parts of the state. 

Portions of south-central and western Minnesota are already under an excessive heat watch for Friday, for areas that could feel as hot as 105 degrees.

The rest of the weekend also stays hot and humid, although showers and storms will occasionally drop temperatures as they move through parts of the state. 

Here is the Twin Cities forecast through Sunday:

Saturday and Sunday morning also start off very warm and muggy. By Sunday, some slightly cooler (near 80 for highs) air starts to move into northwestern Minnesota, and the entire state will be cooler again by Monday.

A stormy stretch

After a quiet Thursday, few scattered showers and storms push into western Minnesota by late Thursday night, bringing an isolated chance for severe weather. 

Spotty storms are possible across northern Minnesota Friday, then more scattered activity is expected statewide over the weekend, with a continued chance for isolated severe storms.   
Heavy rain is possible with the storms, particularly on Saturday.

Programming note

You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:48 a.m. Monday through Friday morning.