Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

End of week severe weather threat

Slight risk includes portions of the Twin Cities

Severe weather risk for Friday
Severe weather risk for Friday
NOAA via Storm Prediction Center

Warm, humid air ahead of an approaching cold front could lead to dangerous storms Friday afternoon and evening.

Heat and humidity bring severe weather potential

Summer heat has returned to the Midwest with soaring dew points and temperatures climbing above seasonal averages. This hot and humid air, along with an approaching cold front, will create favorable conditions for thunderstorms on Friday.

Surface analysis for Friday morning into Saturday morning
Surface analysis for Friday morning into Saturday morning
NOAA via Weather Prediction Center

There is a slight risk of severe weather for much of the state, including parts of the Twin Cities.

Severe weather risk for Friday
Severe weather risk for Friday
NOAA via Storm Prediction Center

Some of these storms could become severe, especially Friday afternoon and evening. Once storms develop Friday afternoon, they are expected to organize into clusters and then form a line.

Storms will develop in the Dakotas Thursday night and move east, reaching the eastern half of the region by early Friday morning. The storms expected Friday afternoon and evening are more concerning, as a passing cold front will bring increased instability. While these storms are expected to follow a more northerly track, parts of the Twin Cities could still be impacted.

Forecast precipitation Thursday 7 p.m. to Saturday 7 a.m.
Forecast precipitation Thursday 7 p.m. to Saturday 7 a.m.
NOAA via Pivotal Weather

Larger hail and damaging winds will be the main threats, but we cannot rule out the possibility of a few weaker QLCS tornadoes.

Hail threat for Friday
Hail threat for Friday
NOAA via Storm Prediction Center