Storm risk shifts eastward today

Many severe thunderstorms blew up over the eastern Dakotas and western Minnesota yesterday. There were numerous reports of severe wind and hail across the western part of our state. And at least one tornado was confirmed in the Morris area.

As Tuesday evening turned into Tuesday night, these storms came together into an impressive north-south line of strong thunderstorms. That line raced eastward and blew into the Twin Cities metro area around midnight with gusty winds, heavy rain and quite a fanfare of lightning and thunder.

June 14 - radar 1234A
Weather radar image from approximately 1230 a.m. on Wednesday as strong thunderstorms crossed the Twin Cities. Twin Cities National Weather Service

While those storms were, fortunately, less severe than those of this past Sunday, there were scattered reports of wind damage including in Eden Prairie, Bloomington, Plymouth, Prior Lake and Mendota Heights.

Thunderstorm possibilities later today

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The weather system that caused last night's theatrics is tracking eastward. Thunderstorms are likely to develop this afternoon over parts of eastern Minnesota, mainly the Arrowhead and southeastern corner, and especially across Wisconsin.

June 14 - Wed fcst map
Forecast surface weather map for today. NOAA Weather Prediction Center

Here is a look at the upcoming weather for the Duluth area, northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

June 14 - DLH wx story
From the Duluth National Weather Service

A more detailed look at the possibilities for severe weather later today was updated shortly after 7 a.m. this morning.

June 14 - conv outlook
Updated convective outlook for today and tonight. NOAA Storm Prediction Center

Look for high temperatures this afternoon from the mid 70s to a few upper 80s, but cooler near Lake Superior. The Twin Cities should warm to about 87. The humidity will be less annoying today.

Thursday

Tomorrow will be a pleasant day with warm temperatures, low humidites and just the chance of a few stray afternoon showers across the northern third of the state.

Next chances of thunderstorms

A few showers and thunderstorms might pop up later on Friday. But overall the next three days should be rather dry for most of Minnesota.

June 14 - 3 day precip fcst
Forecast 3-day precipitation ending at 7 a.m. on Saturday. NOAA Weather Prediction Center

A much greater likelihood of thunderstorms should come our way Saturday afternoon and evening.

The weekend also will feature cooler temperatures on Saturday and especially on Sunday.

Elsewhere, over the tropical Atlantic Ocean

Let's not forget that the hurricane season is now underway. A strong tropical wave has developed over the far eastern Atlantic Ocean. These "easterly waves" usually track toward the west-northwest from that location and sometimes grow into tropical storms or hurricanes.

June 14 - trop wave 8A
Location of a strong tropical wave off the west coast of Africa very early Wednesday. NOAA National Hurricane Center