The thermometer at MSP Airport hit 96 degrees at 4:45 pm today. That ties the hottest day this summer when MSP Airport peaked at 96 degrees on June 10th.

Dog Days! Temps tickles 96F at MSP at 4:45 pm CDT. That ties the hottest day so far in 2017. We also hit 96F on June 10th. #mnwx pic.twitter.com/syGEISE9cz — MPR Weather (@MPRweather) July 15, 2017

Cool front

As I write this a cool front is pushing south through the Twin Cities. You’ll notice cooler more comfortable breezes by sunset tonight. The front will trigger a few scattered thunderstorms as it moves just south and east of the Twin Cities this evening.

Widely scattered showers/storms late this afternoon and evening expected to be south/east of the Twin Cities area. #mnwx #wiwx pic.twitter.com/JH0y3uv8F4 — NWS Twin Cities (@NWSTwinCities) July 15, 2017

NOAA’s NAM 3 km resolution model favors a few spotty storms developing in the far southeast metro and pushing toward Rochester and La Crosse.

Today’s severe risk is basically southeast of the Twin Cities. A slight risk of severe storms is up for Rochester and La Crosse.

Cooler Sunday

Behind the front, Sunday will be gorgeous with lower humidity and mostly sunny skies. Heat and humidity return by Monday.

Solar storm triggers aurora watch

A solar storm today may trigger northern lights show Sunday night. The coronal mass ejection last night should reach earth by Sunday night or Monday.

A look at last night's coronal mass ejection that is expected to reach earth late Sunday/early Monday. More info at https://t.co/MeWAEZwVXk pic.twitter.com/nddAo1nBtw — NWS (@NWS) July 14, 2017

A “moderate geomagnetic storm watch” has been issued by NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center for Sunday night and Monday.

M2 flare 14/0209 UTC & S1 event 14/0900 UTC. G2 (Moderate) Watch 16-17 July due to CME arrival; visit https://t.co/dimAHhR0NF for more info. pic.twitter.com/vhVEofUpb3 — NOAA Space Weather (@NWSSWPC) July 14, 2017

Skies should should be favorable Sunday night for aurora watching over Minnesota. As always, it’s best to get away from city lights with a clear view of the northern sky.

Happy aurora hunting.