Watching thunderstorms and slight severe risk Tuesday

It’s another day of radar watching around eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

A weak cool front is strong enough to generate a few scattered thunderstorms across eastern Minnesota. There is just enough instability that a few of the storms could turn severe.

There is just enough spin to keep the possibility of an isolated tornado in the forecast.

NOAA NAM 3 km resolution model picks up on the notion of scattered storms near the frontal zone into early evening.

NOAA’s Storm Prediction center estimates a 60 percent chance for a severe weather watch close to home.

‘Cold air funnels’

Today’s weather pattern is favorable for what are sometimes called cold air funnels. They are basically weak funnel clouds that can touch down and become tornadoes on days with just enough heat and rotation like today.

Cold air funnels are technically tornadoes when they reach the ground and can do some damage. It’s the same physical process, days like today just generally produce weaker rotations. Tornado warnings may be issued for these, and sometimes (usually minor) damage may occur at ground level.

Stay alert for the slight chance for severe storms.