A steamy afternoon in the Twin Cities gave way to thick clouds and the possibility of evening storms, but forecasters downgraded predictions of severe storms in the metro area and southward.

Meanwhile, north of the metro, severe weather moving in a northeasterly direction dumped heavy rain and hail in a wide swath from Anoka County to the Brainerd lakes area to the Canadian border, causing minor damage to structures, downing some trees and knocking out power.

Temperatures in southern and central Minnesota climbed well into the 90s Saturday afternoon and high humidity made it feel even more oppressive. A brisk breeze, with gusts up to 30 miles per hour, didn't offer much relief.

Strong storms had been forecast, but by 6 p.m., the metro area remained largely dry, with some thunderstorms that meteorologist Paul Douglas called "garden variety."

Conditions were more severe just north of the metro, where a severe-thunderstorm warning was in place for Anoka, Chisago and Isanti counties. Lightning struck a tree in Chisago County during one downpour, setting it aflame, and one of several other trees knocked down fell on an occupied vehicle, according to a sheriff's deputy. No injuries were reported.

Farther north still, the weather was even more serious business. Heavy rain, hail and high winds roared into Duluth and surrounding areas in early evening, and an evening storm warning extended northward to Ely and Crane Lake and included a western area of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

The rough weather was moving into western Wisconsin by mid-evening.

Later Saturday, it'll cool off, with a low around 64 in the metro area.

Sunday will be hot, but far more pleasant, with low humidity and no precipitation expected. Sunday night will be mostly clear, with a low around 62.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday will be positively divine, with highs in the 70s and plenty of sunshine. Showers may return late Wednesday and Thursday.