From severe weather to smoke, Wednesday brings weather problems
Southern Minnesota is likely to see the strongest storms and the most beneficial rain
Almost all of Minnesota falls under some sort of weather-related concern on Wednesday, from severe weather south to another day of poor air quality north.
Wednesday’s forecast
As of 7 a.m. Wednesday morning, a potent storm system is already moving showers and storms into the southwestern corner of Minnesota.
With low pressure tracking right across southern Minnesota during the day, the wet weather spreads across southern Minnesota by late morning.
The instability with this system is high enough that particularly in the afternoon and early evening hours, isolated severe weather is possible in most of southern Minnesota, with damaging winds the highest risk. That risk increases as you head southeast, with the Twin Cities in a “slight” risk, meaning scattered severe storms are possible.
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The southeastern corner of Minnesota, including Rochester and Albert Lea, are in an even higher “enhanced” risk area, meaning numerous severe storms are likely. Storms with damaging winds are still the most likely, along with large hail, but it is also probable that a few thunderstorms will produce tornadoes.
Those thunderstorms will additionally produce heavy downpours at times, and much of southern, especially southeastern, Minnesota can expect around an inch of rain, with localized higher amounts.
With most of the storms expected south, rain totals quickly taper off as you head north, and the northern half of Minnesota misses most of the accumulating rainfall.
It is unfortunate that northern Minnesota will miss most of the rain for two reasons. First, the rain is desperately needed given the state’s drought conditions. Second, the rain would have helped at least temporarily diminish the smoke in the atmosphere from fires in Canada. Instead, the wind pattern keeps pulling smoke across northern Minnesota Wednesday, continuing the air quality alert until Friday.
Minnesota started the day seasonable with 50s and 60s, but the widespread clouds and rain keep temperatures slightly cooler for highs. Much of southern Minnesota will be in the 70s.
Northern Minnesota should see a few more breaks of sunshine and make it in to the low 80s.
Programming note
You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:49 a.m. Monday through Friday morning.