Severe Storms and Cool Down for Twin Cities Area

Photo byNational Weather Service

Brief storms bring light rain and thunder to the region, with more significant weather expected later this week.

Thunder Today, Cooler Tomorrow: Weather Changes Ahead for Twin Cities

[MINNEAPOLIS] — Issued by the National Weather Service at 3:07 AM on September 17, 2024.

Scattered Showers and Thunderstorms Moving Through

Twin Cities residents woke up to rumbles of thunder early Tuesday morning as a line of weak storms moved across the area. These storms, originating from southwestern Minnesota and stretching into Iowa, were characterized by occasional lightning but posed no significant threat. The storms are expected to dissipate as they lose energy upon moving east, resulting in increased cloud cover and potentially a slight dip in the expected high temperatures, which are forecasted to reach the mid-80s today.

Midweek Storms Looming

Looking ahead, weather conditions will become more dynamic as a series of disturbances make their way toward the region. A surface low pressure system moving from the northern Continental United States towards the Great Lakes will introduce chances for more widespread thunderstorms late Wednesday into Thursday. Western Minnesota will likely experience the first wave of showers and storms on Wednesday evening, followed by a broader threat across the Twin Cities area on Thursday into Friday.

Current forecasts from the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) suggest a marginal risk of severe weather on Wednesday night, increasing to a slight risk on Thursday as the frontal system brings stronger forcing and ample moisture. Key factors to watch include the development of lower-level shear and elevated lapse rates, which could contribute to stronger, potentially severe thunderstorms.

Cooler Weather on the Horizon

Following this week's storm activity, another weather system is poised to bring a significant change in temperatures over the weekend. A cold front, driven by an occluded upper-level low from Alaska, will sweep through the northern plains, ushering in cooler air. By Sunday, high temperatures will struggle to reach 70 degrees, with lows dipping into the 50s. This cooling trend is expected to continue into early next week, potentially marking the start of a more typical October weather pattern.

The overall weather outlook suggests that September could end warmer than average despite the upcoming cool down. Precipitation levels will largely depend on the intensity and coverage of this week's storm systems, with a clearer picture expected as more high-resolution forecast models become available.

Hazardous Weather Changes Fast - Stay Updated

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