The threat for severe weather continues for parts of the Plains yet again as we head into this weekend.  For today (Friday), the severe thunderstorm potential shifts a little further to the east, stretching from northern Minnesota to the Texas Panhandle. It includes some of the same places as Thursday, like Fargo, Sioux Falls, Minneapolis, and Omaha. Large hail and strong wind gusts are likely with some storms, but there will also be an increased risk for tornadoes in the enhanced risk (orange shaded area, level 3 on a scale of 1 to 5) and slight risk (yellow shaded area, level 2) in Minnesota.

Damaging wind gusts are the biggest threat, but as mentioned above, we cannot rule out a a few tornadoes.  The chances are highest here in the area shaded in red and yellow below. Large hail, greater than an inch in diameter, may also occur.

Storms will develop in the afternoon near a low pressure center and cold front in western Minnesota. The thunderstorms will expand southward through the evening southward to Kansas. The most favorable time for tornadoes to develop will be the late afternoon and early evening near the low.

Increasing humidity will feed the thunderstorms as a rich southerly wind flow transports moisture northward from the Gulf of Mexico. As temperatures climb, instability will build, which will aid severe thunderstorm development. Jet Stream energy will support and sustain severe weather.

On Saturday, the severe risk pushes into the Great Lakes, including the Milwaukee, Grand Rapids, Chicago and St. Louis. A marginal risk remains in northern Minnesota.

WeatherNation will keep you up-to-date on the potential for severe thunderstorms. Check back with us on-air and online for updated forecasts and any weather alerts issued.