MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Parts of northern Minnesota were under tornado warnings Friday, while the Twin Cities metro and nearby areas were placed under a severe thunderstorm watch through the evening. The day started mild, but scattered storms were expected to develop later, with the strongest activity most likely in the afternoon.
The National Weather Service said the most active period for the Twin Cities would likely fall between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., with storms fading around sunset. Not every community was expected to see rain, but the storms could bring hail, frequent lightning and damaging wind gusts.
Warnings and Watch Areas
The tornado warnings were issued for northern Minnesota in Hubbard and Cass counties and were in effect until 3:30 p.m. The severe thunderstorm watch covered the Twin Cities metro, parts of central Minnesota and western Wisconsin until 8 p.m.
Forecasters said a few storms could produce hail up to two inches in size and isolated wind gusts up to 65 mph. The weather service also flagged brief heavy downpours and frequent lightning as possible hazards.
Storm Timing Across State
Friday’s temperatures were expected to stay comfortable, with highs in the mid-70s in the Twin Cities and cooler 60s in northern Minnesota. A morning batch of showers was expected to move from west to east before easing, then another round of isolated showers and thunderstorms could build during the mid to late afternoon.
The best chance for storms was along and north of Interstate 94, with a level 2 slight risk for east-central Minnesota, the Twin Cities metro and western Wisconsin. Areas around that zone were under a level 1 marginal risk.
Weekend Outlook Ahead
By Friday night, the storms were expected to taper off and leave a quiet overnight period with lows in the 50s across much of Minnesota, and some 40s in the north. Saturday was forecast to be sunny and pleasant, with highs back in the 70s.
Looking farther ahead, clouds may increase Sunday with a few scattered afternoon or evening showers and thunderstorms, mostly in southern Minnesota. Temperatures are expected to stay in the 70s through midweek, and the Twin Cities’ next likely rain chance appears to be Tuesday or Wednesday.
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