Residents in Minneapolis and surrounding areas are bracing for a series of thunderstorms that could bring severe weather conditions, including the possibility of tornadoes, throughout the week. According to a forecast from the National Weather Service (NWS), today will see clouds gradually clear to a sunny high of 77 degrees, but the tranquility is to sharply be followed by potentially hazardous conditions.
Tonight, there is a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10 pm, with storms possibly ramping up on Tuesday. The NWS's forecast predicts "Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible." For Tuesday night, storms are expected before they give way to a chance of showers, amidst gusty winds as high as 30 mph by the late evening.
The outlook for the rest of the week remains unsettled, with a 40 percent chance of showers on Wednesday and partly sunny conditions. The weather is predicted to clear somewhat on Thursday, with a sunny high near 73, before returning to a 50 percent chance of showers on Friday. Severe weather risks remain in the picture across the region from today through Tuesday, with a focus on south central Minnesota, where scattered severe thunderstorms tonight could bring large hail and damaging wind gusts.
A Hazardous Weather Outlook report released by the National Weather Service mentions that there's an "Enhanced Risk of
severe thunderstorms (level 3 of 5) across southeastern Minnesota
into west central Wisconsin," with a risk that slightly extends to other areas. Potential storm damages include "large hail and damaging winds," but the alert also warns that "a few tornadoes are also possible."
Additional concerns stem from the forecasted heavy rainfall, expected to exceed 2 or 3 inches in some areas on Tuesday. This intense downpour is likely to cause rivers and tributaries to rise through the end of the week, posing a threat of flooding. In preparation for these conditions, the NWS has suggested that SKYWARN spotter activation may be needed this evening in southern Minnesota to monitor developments.
