Heat, Storms Could Pack a Dangerous Punch In Twin Cities Wednesday

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The Twin Cities is bracing for a dangerous weather combo Wednesday as extreme heat and strong thunderstorms move through the region.

A Heat Advisory is in effect from noon to 8 p.m., with heat index values expected to reach up to 101 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

The intense heat and humidity could lead to heat-related illnesses, especially for those working outdoors or without access to air conditioning.

"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors," NWS said.

But it’s not just the heat. The atmosphere is unstable, and thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon and evening, some of which could become strong or severe.

The storms are most likely after 5 p.m., with additional storms continuing overnight.

Storm hazards may include:

• Damaging winds
• Large hail
• Heavy rain
• Frequent lightning

The threat prompted the NWS to include the metro in its Hazardous Weather Outlook, warning that conditions could warrant SKYWARN spotter activation later in the day.

High temperatures will approach 89 degrees Wednesday, with the heat index making it feel several degrees warmer. Overnight lows will only fall to the low 70s, offering little relief from the heat.

Conditions should calm down Thursday and Friday before storm chances return again over the weekend and into early next week.

Here's the full NWS forecast from the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport:

Today: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 5pm. High near 89. Heat index values as high as 97. South southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms before 4am, then a chance of showers. Low around 72. West wind 5 to 15 mph becoming south southeast after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Thursday: A slight chance of showers before 7am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 7am and 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light north after midnight.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 88. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly clear, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph.

Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 90. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South southeast wind around 10 mph.

Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north northwest in the afternoon.

Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. North northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.