First real heatwave coming over the weekend with some potential for storms

There's some heat coming this weekend. WCCO Meteorologist Paul Douglas says this will be the warmest stretch of weather the Twin Cities have seen so far this summer. The temps for Saturday will likely be into the upper 80s but it looks warmer on Sunday.

"If the sun's out for a few hours, we could hit 90 Sunday, and again Monday," says Douglas.

And of course, with heat and humidity, that usually means a threat of some stormy weather and Douglas says watch out on Saturday.

"A thunder sandwich starting off with thunderstorms in the morning, and then I think the sun will come out in the afternoon," Douglas says. Mid to upper 80s before the next wave of storms comes in Saturday evening. I think it's that second wave which will start in western Minnesota and then push eastward into the metro, and eventually Wisconsin later in the day on Saturday. That's when we could have strong winds, maybe gusting up to 60-70 miles an hour. And even some large hail. Probably not tornadoes, but, it's ripe for a few severe storms."

If you're heading north to the lake this weekend, you could be walking up to some storms.

"I think we're going to have some thunderstorms popping over the Red River Valley late tonight, then drifting southeastward into the Alexandria Lakes, Brainerd Lakes first, and then eventually the metro during the morning hours tomorrow," he said.

As for next week, Douglas says he sees more warmth but a much-needed spell of dry weather starting on Tuesday.

WEATHER SAFETY

With extreme heat expected this weekend, Minneapolis City officials are giving some tips about how to keep yourself and your pets safe, especially when we're not used to dealing with it.

Emergency Preparedness Supervisor Toni Hauser says high humidity can heighten the negative effects of a heat wave on you and your pets, so make sure to always have water on hand.

"So, if an animal is outside for a long period of time, they should have access to as much water as it seems like they need," Hauser says.

She also stressed that if you are outside for an extended period of time, not to rely on an electric fan. She says often times its just blowing hot air instead of effectively cooling you off.

Hauser says her top tip is not to be absent-minded on hot days this summer.

"I think the biggest thing with animals and people is to not leave anyone in a car," she said. "In the kind of heat that we're going to have this weekend, that could cause some serious health issues or death even in that quick amount of time."

She also says limiting your alcohol intake on humid days can vastly reduce your chances of experiencing heat stoke or dehydration.