The National Weather Service, has issued a severe thunderstorm watch, in effect until 4 p.m. this afternoon for much of south central and southeastern Minnesota, including Mower, Dodge and Steele Counties.

This has been placed on top of an already established flash flood watch for much of southeast Minnesota, including Mower and Dodge counties until 7 p.m.

The NWS predicts several rounds of heavy rain will move through this part of the state today, falling on soil already saturated from previous rains.

From this rain there is the potential for street flooding as well as mud and rock slides possible in bluff areas.

Strong storms could be included.

However, after these storms past, the area will receive some respite from the heat dogging the state. Temperatures will drop throughout the day, falling to around 74 degrees by 5 p.m. tonight.

Highs Sunday will be in the high 70s beneath partly sunny skies and the highs on Monday will be in the mid-70s with sunny skies.