Minneapolis, MN – A dangerous mix of intense heat and severe thunderstorms threatens much of Minnesota late Saturday, with the National Weather Service warning of large hail, tornadoes, and flash flooding beginning Saturday evening.
According to the Twin Cities/Chanhassen office of the NWS, heat indices could top 100°F across southern Minnesota—including Mankato, Albert Lea, and Red Wing—by late Saturday afternoon. Storms are expected to develop during the evening hours and intensify into a line overnight. Initial supercells will pose the highest risk for tornadoes and large hail, while all storms could bring damaging winds and heavy rain.
Cities in the slight risk zone (Level 2 of 5) include Minneapolis, St. Paul, St. Cloud, Alexandria, and Willmar. Flash flooding is also a concern in areas recently soaked by earlier storms, including parts of central and southern Minnesota. Saturday’s storm setup will be fueled by the extreme afternoon heat, creating volatile conditions for severe weather to erupt after sundown.
Residents are urged to limit outdoor activity during peak heat hours, stay hydrated, and monitor alerts through Saturday night. Those in mobile homes or low-lying areas should have shelter plans in place.
⏳ Severe storm risk continues into early Sunday morning. Additional watches and warnings are likely.
📅 Five-Day Forecast Snapshot:
- Friday: Isolated evening storms west; highs in mid-80s
- Saturday: Heat index near 100°F; severe storms likely overnight
- Sunday: Breezy, highs in low 80s, chance of AM storms
- Monday: Mostly sunny, highs in mid-70s
- Tuesday: Pleasant and dry, highs in upper 70s
