Warm sunshine, weekend cool front

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.


Summer is the peak season for one of the nation's deadliest weather phenomena— lightning. But don't be fooled, lightning strikes yearround. The goal of this Website is to safeguard U.S. residents from lightning. In the United States, an average of 62 people are killed each year by lightning:

• To date, in 2009, 15 people have been killed by lightning
• In 2008, 28 people died due to lightning strikes
• Hundreds of others were permanently injured. Of the victims who were killed by lightning in 2008:
  
  • 100% outside
  • 79% male
  • 36% males between the ages of 20-25
  • 32% under a tree
  • 29% on or near the water

The reported number of injuries is likely far lower than the actual total number because many people do not seek help or doctors do not record it as a lightning injury. People struck by lightning suffer from a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms, including memory loss, attention deficits, sleep disorders, numbness, dizziness, stiffness in joints, irritability, fatigue, weakness, muscle spasms, depression, and an inability to sit for long.

Lightning is a serious danger. Through this site we hope you'll learn more about lightning risks and how to protect yourself, your loved ones and your belongings. As a start, get an overview of Lightning Safety or stop by our comprehensive page of handouts, brochures, links and more.

For more information on lightning, click over the the National Weather Service's excellent web site right here.