WILLMAR -- There is a slight risk of severe thunderstorms in the Willmar area and across much of southern and central Minnesota through tonight. The National Weather Service in Chanhassen says a very unstable air mass near and south of a warm front will build into the area today.
As a cold front moves into western Minnesota late in the afternoon and tracks east, scattered severe thunderstorms may develop into the evening. The primary threats would be damaging winds and large hail. Tornadoes may also be possible along with some additional heavy rainfall.
Heat index values could reach 100 to 108 this afternoon, mainly in southern Minnesota where a heat advisory has been issued. The Willmar area is not in the advisory.
