Forecast: Million dollar rain

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Storm Prediction Center paints a severe weather risk over Minnesota today.

A weather system passing through Minnesota today is bringing some much needed rainfall.

The rain is coming at a critical time, but will likely not be enough to put a major dent in drought conditions in central Minnesota this week. Brown lawns, low lakes and rivers and dry topsoil are tangible signs of drought in much of central Minnesota. Drought conditions are also expanding northward to include Duluth and portions of the North Shore.

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For some Minnesota farmers, rain this week may be a million dollar rain. Today's crop report shows that 40% of topsoil moisture in the state is now listed as short or very short. Late July is a critical time for crop development, and rain in the next two weeks can play a major role in promoting a decent corn crop.

The first wave of showers this morning is bringing rain without severe weather. The risk of severe storms will increase this afternoon and evening over central and southern Minnesota. SPC has posted a slight risk for severe storms today. The strong upper wave and cold front combo moving though the region today has the potential to develop a squall line that may drive a line of severe thunderstorms eastward through the area late today into this evening.

Hopefully most of us will see beneficial rain without severe weather today. Keep an eye to the sky and listen for weather updates later today just in case the Twin Cities NWS has to issue the first severe weather warnings of the year for the metro area.

PH