Residents in Minneapolis are preparing for a series of weather challenges this week as the National Weather Service in Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN has issued various advisories, signaling potentially hazardous conditions, including severe thunderstorms and excessive heat. According to the forecast, showers accompanied by thunderstorms are predicted for today with a high chance of precipitation at 90%, likely to bring significant rainfall. The weather tonight will continue this pattern with thunderstorms mainly before 1 AM and temperatures dropping to around 66 degrees.
The situation seems to escalate into Sunday, with a forecasted heat index soaring as high as 100. This ushers in the first Excessive Heat Watch of the year for the region, as noted in the alert from the National Weather Service, which says, "Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values around 100 possible." This excessive heat is targeted for Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington Counties, where residents should be aware of the heightened potential for heat-related illnesses.
Looking further into the week, skies are expected to clear up on Sunday but not for long. The Hazardous Weather Outlook cautions that several rounds of thunderstorms are anticipated to return throughout the week, with potential severe weather and heavy rainfall attached to each round. The existing flooding along area rivers is expected to either maintain or gradually decline over the weekend, but upcoming rainfall could prompt new rises in water levels.
With these predictions, the National Weather Service urges residents to take necessary precautions: stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and avoid overexposure to the sun. The warning reiterates, "Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles," as car interiors can quickly reach lethal temperatures. As the storms qualify for possible Skywarn spotter activation—residents trained to report severe weather observations—community awareness and preparedness become imperative in Minneapolis' response to the incoming weather events.
