MPR News Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner signs off

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Thursday’s severe weather forecast just got a boost.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 

 has upgraded Thursday’s severe weather risk across southeastern Minnesota to an “enhanced” level. That’s level 3 of the 5 severe weather categories NOAA uses in the daily severe weather convective outlooks. 

Let’s break down Thursday’s severe weather threat a bit. The outlooks assign probabilities to various severe weather threats like high winds, hail and tornadoes. 

Overall there’s a 30 percent chance of severe hail greater than 1 inch in diameter within 25 miles of any location across southeastern Minnesota Thursday.

There’s a 15 percent risk of damaging winds in excess of 58 mph.

And a 5 percent chance of a tornado within 25 miles of any location in southeastern Minnesota Thursday. 

NOAA’s North American Mesoscale Forecast System 3 km model develops storm clusters around midday in southeastern Minnesota, with more widespread action developing through Thursday evening. 

Bottom line? Stay aware of the potential for severe weather watches and warnings later Wednesday and especially Thursday. 

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Paul Huttner

Author

The severe weather risk across southeastern Minnesota has been increased to “enhanced” level for Thursday. Here’s a look at the areas at risk for potential hail, high winds and tornadoes.

Thursday's severe weather risk rises; hail, high winds possible

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