Brandon Weatherz: Storms and heat today, much cooler tomorrow

The first day of school for many will be a hot one, but the heat will soon be in the rearview mirror. The morning bus stop features a toasty temp in the 70s in most areas, then we top off in mid-80s to near 90. By the bus ride home, scattered thunderstorms will be filling out the Northland, so a raincoat or umbrella may come in handy.

Strong to severe thunderstorms will begin in north central Minnesota in the early afternoon, reach across much of the Northland through the afternoon and evening, and exit northwest Wisconsin before midnight. The main hazards are for damaging winds up to 70 mph and hail up to 1.5”, but heavy rain leading to localized flooding and an isolated tornado are also possible.

Showers linger overnight and during the day Wednesday. Our high temperatures for Wednesday will likely be set shortly after midnight as cooler air arrives for the rest of the day. Highs will range from upper 50s to mid-60s. The cooler conditions will stick around the rest of the week. Today into tomorrow is the only widespread accumulating rain in the current forecast. There’s a low chance for showers this weekend.

Today: Partly cloudy in the morning, then scattered thunderstorms in the late afternoon and evening. Some storms may be severe. High 87. S wind 10-15 mph. Chance of rain: 70%

Tonight: Scattered thunderstorms in the evening, then lingering showers. Low 60. N wind 10-15 mph. Chance of rain: 80%.

Tomorrow: Cloudy, breezy and much cooler with scattered showers. High 63. N wind 10-15 mph. Chance of rain: 60%

Tomorrow night: Cloudy. Low 51. NNE wind 10-15 mph.

Thursday: Partly sunny. High 62. E wind 5-10 mph.

Friday: Sunny. High 71. SE wind 2-8 mph.

Saturday: Partly cloudy. High 72. N wind 5-10 mph.

Sunday: Mostly cloudy with a slight chance for showers. High 68. E wind 5-15 mph.

Monday: Mostly cloudy with a slight chance for showers. High 63. E wind 5-10 mph.