Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Windy Wednesday; strong storm chances Thursday

Sunshine, warmer temps Wednesday before storms Thursday

Severe weather threat for Thursday
Severe weather threat for Thursday
Iowa Environmental Mesonet, Iowa State University

Another blustery day is on the way, with gusty southwest winds following a departing high-pressure system. Expect sunshine and warmer temperatures on Wednesday. Severe weather is expected to roll in by Thursday.

Bright and breezy

More sunshine is on tap for Wednesday, along with strengthening southwest winds.

Wind speed and direction Wednesday 1 p.m. to midnight
Wind speed and direction Wednesday 1 p.m. to midnight
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, via College of DuPage weather lab

As high pressure shifts east over the Great Lakes, those southwest winds will help usher in warmer temperatures across the region. Our afternoon highs will climb into the 70s in the southwest. Central and southeastern Minnesota will see 60s with 50s up north.

Highs for Wednesday
Highs for Wednesday
National Weather Service

Strong storms roll in Thursday

Our attention turns to Thursday as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Storm Prediction Center places central through southern Minnesota under a marginal to slight risk for severe weather.

The marginal risk (1 out of 5) stretches as far north as Chisago, Isanti, and Sherburne counties, and extends westward to include Yellow Medicine County. The slight risk (2 out of 5) covers the southern portions of the state.

Severe weather threat for Thursday
Severe weather threat for Thursday
Iowa Environmental Mesonet, Iowa State University

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop Thursday afternoon and continue into the evening. The primary threats from these storms will be large hail, damaging winds and the possibility of tornadoes.

Forecast precipitation Thursday 1 p.m. to midnight
Forecast precipitation Thursday 1 p.m. to midnight
NOAA, via Pivotal Weather

Stay updated on the latest developments for Thursday’s storms by checking out our Updraft posts or following me on Bluesky along with fellow MPR News meteorologists Paul Huttner and Sven Sundgaard.