A northwest flow aloft, paired with some lingering moisture and instability over the Northland, along with a boundary moving in from the northwest, looks like it could spark a few showers and thunderstorms Friday afternoon into the evening. While severe weather doesn’t seem likely right now, that could change in the next 24 hours.
…Heat Risks this weekend-early next week…
A strong upper-level ridge is expected to set up across the northern Plains and upper Midwest this weekend into early next week, likely peaking on Monday. Some computer models are even showing 500mb heights reaching a remarkable 600 decameters in parts of the northern Plains and upper Midwest, with heights of 594-597 decameters extending into the Northland—an unusually rare occurrence.
Computer models are showing signs that we could be dealing with this ridge on and off for much of July, with fluctuations in its strength and likely shifts in where it sets up.
So, getting to the heart of it, what does all this mean for the Northland?
Expect highs in the 80s to near 90 on Saturday, climbing to a range from about 87 to 97 on Sunday and Monday, and possibly lasting into Tuesday. Dew points will be in the 60s and 70s through the weekend into early next week, with heat advisories and warnings likely for much of the Northland during this time.
Overnight temperatures will range from the 60s to the 70s from Saturday night through Monday night.
With the approaching warmth in the Twin Ports, there’s likely to be little to no cooling as southwest winds on Sunday and Monday should carry the heat all the way to the lakeshore areas.
Moderate (orange) and major (red) heat risks will impact the northern Plains and upper Midwest, including northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin, on Sunday and Monday, July 11-12.
In moderate risk areas, the heat impacts people sensitive to high temperatures, especially those lacking cooling or hydration, as well as certain health systems and industries.
In major risk areas, anyone without access to cooling or hydration is affected, along with health systems and various industries.
Sunday, July 12, 2026 — Heat Risk
Monday, July 13, 2026 — Heat Risk
