Thunderstorm risk followed by a chilly weekend

day 1 spc
A slight risk (level 2 out of 5) of severe storms for parts of northeast Minnesota Wednesday
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Thunderstorms will pop up Wednesday in northern and central Minnesota with warmer temperatures statewide. Another risk of thunderstorms develops Thursday with possible severe weather.

High water levels

Many lakes and rivers in northern Minnesota are seeing their highest levels since at least 2014; some the highest recorded.

rising lake levels
Lake and river levels in northern Minnesota are dramatically higher
National Weather Service

Rainy and Namakan lakes are expected to rise another foot before May 22. Other lakes are also high. Lake of the Woods is up 3 to 4 feet this spring. Upper and Lower Red Lakes are up 2 feet and Mille Lacs lake farther south is up almost a foot and a half. In the Twin Cities, Lake Minnetonka is up a comparatively modest, foot.

Even Lake Superior is up a foot this spring. That’s huge considering its size.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

superior levels
Lake Superior levels are also higher
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Some thunderstorms Wednesday; severe risk Thursday

Temperatures and dew points increase Wednesday and Thursday and that will increase the risk of some thunderstorms. The risk of severe weather is slight (level 2 out 5) for portions of northeast Minnesota this afternoon.

Thunderstorms will pop Wednesday afternoon into the evening mainly across northern and central Minnesota.

wed 8am PRECIP loop
Thunderstorms pop up Wednesday afternoon and evening for some
College of DuPage

A risk of thunderstorms also develops Thursday. There’s a slight risk of possible severe weather with those storms into Thursday night.

spc THU 8am
A slight risk (level 2 out of 5) of severe weather is forecast for Thursday
National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's Storm Prediction Center

Chilly weekend follows storminess

Behind the warmer air and thunderstorms some pretty chilly air for late May moves in for the weekend. Highs will only be in the 50s Saturday, 40s north.

highs SAT 8am
Forecast high temperatures Saturday
National Weather Service

Temperatures Saturday night will be in the 30s and 40s across the state with frost likely in northern Minnesota.

NE MN lows 8am
Forecast low temperatures Saturday night
National Weather Service