Brandon Weatherz: Warm and dry today, storms tomorrow

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Near-critical fire weather is once again with us today as the combination of very dry air and gusty winds allow any fires that develop to spread rapidly. Winds aren’t quite strong enough for a Red Flag Warning, but anyone planning to burn should check local restrictions first. Our dry stretch of weather will come to an end looking west toward Bemidji this afternoon. Most of the Northland remains dry for your Memorial Day plans, then rain becomes more widespread Tuesday. Tomorrow afternoon and evening will bring the greater chance for outdoor plans to have to adjust around showers and thunderstorms. Some storms may be capable of hail. Potential for 1″ hail is generally along and south of a line from Grand Rapids to Cloquet. Heavy downpours and locally heavy rain totals are also possible.

The rest of the week will continue to feature isolated thunderstorms popping up in the afternoon as we warm up and fizzling out after sunset. Temperatures remain above average with a southeast wind keeping the cooler conditions limited to areas immediately near Lake Superior. Inland communities soar into the 80s today and every day through next weekend.

Today: Partly cloudy. High 77. SE wind 5-15 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy. Low 53. E wind 5-10 mph.

Tomorrow: Partly sunny with a chance for thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. High 78. SE wind 5-15 mph. Chance of rain: 60%

Tomorrow night: Mostly cloudy with a chance for showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Low 55. SE wind 5-15 mph. Chance of rain: 60%

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with thunderstorms possible in the afternoon and evening. High 79. SE wind 5-10 mph. Chance of rain: 50%

Thursday: Partly sunny with thunderstorms possible in the afternoon and evening. High 73. E wind 5-15 mph. Chance of rain: 40%.

Friday: Mostly cloudy with a slight chance for showers. High 70. E wind 10-15 mph.

Saturday: Mostly cloudy with a slight chance for showers. high 73. E wind 5-15 mph.

Sunday: Partly cloudy with a slight chance for showers. High 77. E wind 5-10 mph.