Tornado Watch far southern MN, risk of severe weather lessens in the St. Cloud area

Update: 5:10 pm. A new Tornado Watch has been posted for much of Iowa and the southernmost counties of Minnesota, in effect until 10 pm tonight. The threat is greatest near the Iowa border, where wind shear and instability may be sufficient for an isolated tornado into the evening hours. Towns included are Worthington, Fairmont, Austin and Albert Lea.

Overall, in spite of a lingering boundary snaking across much of central Minnesota, the severe risk seems to be subsiding a bit, the severe storms that rumbled across southern MN earlier in the afternoon cooled the lower atmosphere sufficiently to stabilize the airmass and reduce the risk of subsequent severe storms, at least in the immediate Twin Cities area and St. Cloud. A stray storm can't be ruled out, but the greatest threat of violent storms will remain south of our area through the evening hours.

Another round of strong storms is expected Wednesday, especially PM hours, but expect cooler temperatures (highs in the 80s) with a slight, welcome dip in dew points and humidity levels. Dry weather returns statewide by Thursday.