GRAND FORKS, ND — Hot, humid air is setting up a round of severe weather across Minnesota on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the strongest threat centered on damaging winds. The National Weather Service said parts of western and central Minnesota face an enhanced to slight risk, with storms capable of producing tornadoes, hail and heavy rain.
Forecasters said the most serious weather may arrive overnight, which raises the need for multiple ways to receive warnings. A heat advisory is also in effect through 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Red River Valley and north-central Minnesota.
Storm Threat Across Minnesota
The Storm Prediction Center placed western Minnesota and much of the Dakotas in a Level 3 of 5 risk for severe weather Tuesday into early Wednesday. Central Minnesota, from border to border, was under a Level 2 risk.
Officials said wind gusts of 75 to 80 mph or higher are possible, along with embedded tornadoes, golf ball-sized hail and localized flash flooding. The weather service said damaging wind is the main concern.
By early Tuesday afternoon, forecasters said the timing could shift earlier than expected in northwestern Minnesota and northeastern North Dakota, with storms possibly developing around 2 p.m. Activity could continue through much of the afternoon before another round moves in later Tuesday night.
Heat Adds Another Hazard
The heat advisory calls for heat index values near 95 to 100 degrees. Officials warned the combination of heat and humidity could lead to heat-related illness, especially for people spending long periods outdoors.
The weather service urged people to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air conditioning when possible, avoid direct sun and check on relatives and neighbors. OSHA also recommends frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces for outdoor workers.
Anyone showing signs of heat stress should be moved to a cool, shaded place right away. Health officials say heat stroke is a medical emergency.
Safer Weather Later This Week
For Wednesday, the enhanced risk shifts farther east, including Grand Rapids, Brainerd, Hibbing and Duluth, while much of the rest of the state remains at a slight risk. The Duluth weather office said the strongest wind threat should focus on the Arrowhead and northern Wisconsin, while hail up to hen-egg size could reach much of the Northland.
Forecasters said the most serious tornado threat for Wednesday appears south of Brainerd to Grand Rapids to Two Harbors and into Hurley, Wisconsin. Some areas along the I-35 corridor and inland northwestern Wisconsin could see a risk for strong EF2 or greater tornadoes.
Conditions should turn less humid starting Thursday and continue through the weekend, with dew points dropping into the 40s and 50s.
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