MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Strong to severe thunderstorms could hit the Twin Cities and other parts of southern and eastern Minnesota Thursday as a powerful cold front pushes through the region, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters said showers and thunderstorms are likely today, with some storms potentially turning severe this afternoon and evening.
The primary threat is damaging wind gusts, though large hail and even a tornado or two are possible.
Thunderstorms are expected to form along the cold front this afternoon, especially across southern and eastern Minnesota and into western Wisconsin.
In the Twin Cities, showers and thunderstorms are likely today, with the highest risk for severe weather later in the day. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph outside of storms, and rainfall totals between a quarter-inch and half-inch are possible, with higher amounts under stronger cells.
The broader storm setup stretches well beyond the metro. Earlier Thursday, the National Weather Service said a few storms across the region may become strong to severe, with damaging winds as the main hazard, followed by large hail and a possible tornado or two.
Dry weather continues
At the same time, western Minnesota is facing critical fire weather conditions Thursday afternoon. The weather service warned that low humidity, strong southwest to west winds and dry fuels could allow fires to spread quickly, and discouraged burning.
By Thursday night, storm chances are expected to continue, mainly before 11 p.m., before skies gradually begin to clear. Friday is expected to turn sunny, with a high near 62.
Here's the full NWS forecast from the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport:
Today
Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 4pm. Some of the storms could be severe. High near 73. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 11pm. Some of the storms could be severe. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 45. South wind 10 to 15 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 62. Northwest wind around 15 mph.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday
Partly sunny, with a high near 61. West northwest wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday
A 20 percent chance of showers after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 66. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. East wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. East wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Monday Night
A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. West northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Tuesday
A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 57. West northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
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