Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Severe weather potential includes Twin Cities

Damaging wind, large hail and isolated tornadoes possible

Forecast precipitation Thursday 1 p.m. to Friday 3 a.m.
Forecast precipitation Thursday 1 p.m. to Friday 3 a.m.
NOAA via Pivotal Weather

Dewpoints rising into the 50s and 60s along a warm front across southern Minnesota will help set the stage for severe weather Thursday afternoon and evening. Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to develop, bringing the potential for heavy rain, damaging winds, large hail and isolated tornadoes.

Severe storms possible

Southern Minnesota, including portions of the Twin Cities, will be at a greater risk for a mix of supercells and storm clusters. These storms could produce large hail, ranging from one-quarter inch to golf ball-sized, along with strong to severe wind gusts exceeding 50 to 60 mph. A slight risk (2 out of 5), has shifted further north and now includes portions of the Twin Cities.

4-panel severe weather threat
4-panel severe weather threat
NOAA via Pivotal Weather

In addition to severe weather, these fast-moving storms will also have the potential to produce heavy rainfall. Total rainfall amounts from 1 to 1.5 inches are possible, especially for areas that see convective storms.

Quantitative precipitation forecast
Quantitative precipitation forecast
NOAA via Weather Prediction Center

Thunderstorms continue to develop early Thursday afternoon along the warm front. Additional redevelopment is expected later this afternoon into the evening as the cold front moves through. Multiple rounds of storms are possible before the system exits the region by early Friday.

Forecast precipitation Thursday 1 p.m. to Friday 3 a.m.
Forecast precipitation Thursday 1 p.m. to Friday 3 a.m.
NOAA via Pivotal Weather

Stay updated on the latest weather developments by checking out the Updraft blog.