Thunder threat stays east of the St. Cloud area

(forecast graphic courtesy of UCAR, United Center for Atmospheric Research, based in Boulder, Colorado). This map shows the leading edge of cooler, Canadian air pushing across far southern Minnesota around the dinner hour today. By the time the atmosphere is most unstable (greatest contrast in temperature from warmth near the ground to cold air several miles overhead) this cool frontal boundary should be far enough south/east of St. Cloud that we'll probably - probably avoid a widespread severe storm event locally, although it's a little close for comfort. People living near Fairmont, Worthington, Albert Lea and much of central and western Wisconsin stand a better chance of a significant severe storm outbreak late Friday, as does much of Iowa. Expect watches and warnings during the PM hours - we'll keep you up to date on SCTIMES.COM with video updates, storm reports and Doppler Radar centered on central Minnesota.

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Paul's Headlines

* Winds shift around to the north/northwest as cooler front arrives - main severe storm risk is over Wisconsin, Iowa and extreme southeastern MN later today - no hail/high winds for central MN.
* Red Flag Warning: very high threat of brush fires, due to dry, windy conditions
* Saturday: nicer day of the weekend - cool, but dry with some intervals of sunshine
* Sunday: next storm surges north with rain, over 1" may fall (strong T-storms into southern MN?)
* So long 80s - weekend temperatures in the 40s/50s.

Paul's Forecast


Today: Partly sunny, breezy, turning cooler (showers and storms develop over far southern/eastern MN - the threat of severe weather across central Minnesota has diminished. Winds: N/NW 10-20. High: 67 (falling)

Tonight: Partial clearing, chilly again. Low: 41

Saturday: Nicer, drier day of the weekend - mix of clouds and some sun. High: 52

Sunday: Rain, possibly heavy (few T-storms possible). Cooler. High: near 50

Monday: Spotty lingering shower or two, cooler. High: 54

Tuesday: Lingering showers. High: 58