Predicted USA weather map for Friday evening

(forecast graphic courtesy of UCAR, United Center for Atmospheric Research, based in Boulder, Colorado). This 36 hour predicting shows the leading edge of cooler, Canadian air pushing across far southern Minnesota around the dinner hour Friday. 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.

If you want to explore the (ETA) Computer Model for the USA click here.

Paul's Headlines

* 83 at St. Cloud, 88 Paynesville, 90 reported at Canby, Benson, Ortonville, 91 at Willmar!
* Winds gust in the 30-40 mph range.
* Red Flag Warning: very high threat of brush fires, due to dry, windy conditions
* NAM prints out .09" of rain Friday PM hours as a cooler front arrives, WRF model: nearly half an inch of rain possible late Friday night/Saturday morning.
* Slight risk of severe storms across much of central/southern MN Friday - greatest risk of hail, isolated tornadoes, appears to be over far southern MN, Iowa and much of Wisconsin.
* Dying front stalls out of Minnesota, keeping rain in the forecast for much of the weekend.
* Much cooler air drains into town, Saturday may be 30-40 degrees cooler than Thursday was!

Paul's Forecast

Thursday night: Red Flag Warning (high brushfire risk). Windy and unseasonably warm. Low: 62.

Friday: Unsettled, still mild. Scattered showers/T-storms, some strong/severe PM hours. High: 73

Saturday: Shower and storm risk moves south through the day. Temps backing off to below normal levels. High: 51

Sunday: Lingering clouds, sprinkle. Cooler. High: 53

Monday: Spotty shower, cooler. High: 54

Tuesday: Lingering showers. High: 58