Severe weather possible late afternoon into tonight

Be sky aware this afternoon and evening. Strong to severe thunderstorms could develop, and then continue into tonight.

Here is the forecast rainfall pattern, from this afternoon through Monday morning, from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s North American Mesoscale Forecast System (NAM):

You can see how the thunderstorms develop and spread across Minnesota later this afternoon and tonight. Reality won't match the forecast radar loop exactly, but the general trend should hold true.

Severe thunderstorm watch

The Storm Prediction Center of the National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch until 10 p.m. for much of western and central Minnesota:

6 p.m. Update: NWS has added Wright county and Sherburne, Benton and Morrison counties to the severe thunderstorm watch.

The Storm Prediction Center also shows eastern Minnesota and the Twin Cities in a marginal risk of severe weather the remainder of today and tonight:

The slight risk area over western Minnesota has a higher chance of severe weather. Large hail and damaging thunderstorm winds are the main severe weather threats, but a tornado will also be possible.

Here are the severe weather category definitions:

If you are traveling today or this evening, stay aware of which county you are in, because warnings are issued by county.