[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3OYY0tHqrA?hl=en&fs=1&w=425&h=349]

SEVERE TODAY: There is a slight risk of severe weather once again for today and tonight across all but the northeastern quarter of the state. The main threats will be from large hail and damaging winds. Rainfall could be heavy as well in some locations. A cold front will move through the state later this afternoon and evening setting off the showers and storms. The severe weather threat will last at least through midnight before many of the storms will likely weaken below severe weather limits.

70s!!!: The 70s for highs return to the state after a long break. These readings will be welcomed with open arms Tuesday and Wednesday of this week with some areas seeing lows down in the 50s. It’ll be time to turn off that AC and open the windows!

STATE FAIR: The Iowa State Fair begins on Thursday and the weather won’t be a problem. Highs in Des Moines will be around 80 with partly to mostly sunny skies. Friday could bring a threat of some isolated showers and thunderstorms with highs climbing into the lower and middle 80s. The weekend looks great with sunny skies and highs near 80.

FARTHER OUT: Looking further into the run, the fast northwesterly flow continues into the following week with several storm systems quickly moving across the state bringing showers and storms and cooler conditions, but by the end of the forecast period the ridge is back in place once more which may bring some heat and humidity back around the 23rd.