Record-challenging warmth forecast for drought-weary North Central states AccuWeather 3 hrs ago Jessica Storm As the early part of the growing season continues in the northern Plains, heat will build this weekend, exacerbating drought conditions and raising concerns for an elevated wildfire risk from the northern Plains to south-central Canada. Places like Rapid City, South Dakota, and Minneapolis started off the week about 10 degrees Fahrenheit below normal, but the warmth has been building steadily across the Plains. A storm system is expected to bring rain and thunderstorms along with more warmth to the northern Plains on Friday. Residents of Omaha, Nebraska, and up through the Twin Cities area can expect rain and showers throughout the day. To the south, afternoon thunderstorms are headed to Denver and Kansas City, Missouri.