Minnesota should stay weather-aware this afternoon and evening as thunderstorms develop with the potential for isolated severe weather. While not every community will see storms, those that do could experience damaging wind gusts, large hail, and locally heavy rainfall before quieter weather returns for the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, thunderstorms will become more numerous through the afternoon, with the greatest coverage expected across southeast North Dakota and west-central Minnesota. The Storm Prediction Center has placed the region under a Level 1 of 5 Marginal Risk for severe thunderstorms, with the primary hazards including wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail up to the size of quarters. Localized heavy rainfall is also possible, although forecasters emphasize that both severe storms and heavier rain will remain isolated rather than widespread.
High temperatures today will reach 82 to 89 degrees, with storms most likely developing late this afternoon and continuing into tonight. Communities including Grand Forks, Fargo, Valley City, Devils Lake, Wahpeton, Detroit Lakes, and Bemidji should monitor the forecast for rapidly changing conditions.
Travel along Interstates 29 and 94, as well as U.S. Highway 2, could be affected by brief downpours, gusty winds, and reduced visibility if thunderstorms move through. Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and be prepared to move indoors if severe thunderstorm warnings are issued.
Conditions improve Friday with mostly sunny skies, north winds of 10 to 20 mph, and highs between 81 and 86 degrees. Dry weather continues into Saturday with mostly sunny skies, lighter southeast winds of 5 to 10 mph, and warmer highs of 82 to 89 degrees.
