Thursday, June 25, 2009

Early morning boomers

Update 4:31 am (way too darn early). Doppler shows very strong thunderstorms forming along a stagnant boundary snaking across central Minnesota from Alexandria to St. Cloud to the Twin Cities, a strong upper-level feature irritating this mini-front draped right over our heads. The result: frequent lightning, downpours, even some marble-size hail through the early morning hours, capable of minor street flooding - the morning commute may be a real mess. The good news: after these strong/severe storms pass the stage should be set for sunshine most of the day; things WILL settle down by mid/late morning.



Weather Headlines

* Overall: fine weekend weather for the Great American Backyard Campout (except for a wet start Saturday morning).

* Early-AM storms capable of downpours, vivid lightning, even small hail. Most storms move out of the metro by mid morning.

* 90 possible today, low 90s likely tomorrow.

* Dew points in the upper 50s today, making it feel a little more comfortable out there, in spite of the heat.

* Round of heavy showers/T-storms late Friday, Friday night, lingering into a portion of Saturday morning; some half inch rainfall amounts possible.

* Saturday: wet start, sunny finish, skies slowly clear out during the PM hours behind a cool front.

* Sunday: hints of September with bright sun, a few PM clouds, and a fresh northwest breeze at 10-20. Temperatures hold in the 70s for highs, maybe some 60s far northern MN.

* Cooler start to next week, but warming up nicely in time for the 4th of July weekend.


Paul's Outlook

Today: Early morning thunderstorms, some strong/severe. Drying out later this morning. Bright sun, very warm and dry midday and afternoon. Winds: NW 10-15. High: near 90

Tonight: Clear and comfortable. Low: 63

Friday: Hazy sun, more humid, hot by afternoon. Strong T-storms possible Friday night. High: 93

Saturday: Wet start with showers tapering in the morning. Slow afternoon clearing. Winds: SW/NW 10-20. High: 82

Sunday: Sunshine much of the day, a cool breeze. Winds: NW 10-20. High: 78 (low 70s north).

Monday: Sunny and pleasant. High: 82

Tuesday: Sun gives way to increasing clouds. High: 85

Wednesday: Showers, possible thunder. High: 79

Thursday: A mix of clouds and sun, noticeably cooler. High: 77

4-Panel (GFS) computer model showing showers/storms Saturday morning, followed by a clearing trend Saturday PM, and dry weather Sunday (with a cool, refreshing northwest wind flow). To see the latest, greatest computer run from Unisys, click here.


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