Severe storms possible this afternoon, tonight

Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and tonight across much of central and southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. Large hail, damaging straight-line wind gusts, and even tornadoes are possible. Isolated thunderstorms will develop late morning or early afternoon and continue throughout the afternoon and into the evening. Storms will move out of the area late into the night. Check the weather frequently throughout the day as storms can develop and move quickly. Keep your KEYC First Alert Weather App handy for instant alerts and the latest updates from the First Alert Weather Team. We will be closely monitoring the situation and providing updates as storms develop.

The severe storms are being caused by a strong cold front that will sweep across our region later today. Ahead of the front, it will be warm and very humid, with highs of 30 to 27 degrees in the afternoon. Some areas of extreme southwest Minnesota and northern Iowa could reach temperatures as high as 35 degrees. Isolated thunderstorms will develop in the late morning or early afternoon and could quickly become severe, with large hail, damaging straight-line wind gusts, and tornadoes. There is also the possibility of locally heavy rainfall of 1 inch or more, especially in locations affected by multiple storm cells. Keep your KEYC First Alert weather app on standby throughout the day. In this type of environment, storms can develop and quickly become severe.

After today’s low pressure system has passed, we can look forward to a few cooler, more pleasant days on Thursday and Friday.

The summer heat and humidity will return over the weekend. Sunday will be hot and humid, with highs between 30 and 35 degrees. Of course, with the heat and humidity comes the possibility of thunderstorms and rain. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible on Saturday and especially Sunday. Although there will also be plenty of sunshine, be prepared to dodge a few thunderstorms this weekend.

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