9-20-18 Northern Plains: Widespread rain today with severe weather threats this afternoon and evening. B.

Today’s Video: 

Good Thursday morning. A very busy day across the area with moderate rain ongoing in the Dakotas and Souther and Central Minnesota which will lift north into Northern areas leading to additional rainfall throughout most of today. 

Here’s a look at simulated radar into 1PM CDT this afternoon: 

As we work into 3 or 4 PM CDT, a line of storms will start to develop and a warm front lifts north into Southern Minnesota. The line of storms will contain a higher-end damaging wind threat. Near the warm front we could see storms develop that are capable of producing tornadoes. Tornadoes with the line of storms also cannot be ruled out. 

The line of storms should push out of the area by 10 or 11 PM CDT, but rain showers will continue in Eastern North Dakota and Northern Minnesota throughout the overnight hours before fully pushing out tomorrow morning. 

Here’s a look at our BAM Severe Weather Threat Map for today’s storms. Tornadoes in southeast Minnesota are certainly a threat with damaging winds with the line of storms likely in Southern Minnesota. 

We’ll also see some additional heavy rainfall risks with some of these storms especially near the low pressure in Central Minnesota. Steady rain will lead to widespread 0.5-1.5″ of rain in North Dakota and Northern Minnesota by Friday morning: 

High pressure will work in behind the front and lead to a drier day for most on Friday with only a weak disturbance clipping far northern areas Saturday. This cold front will usher in much cooler temperatures with some frost risks especially in far NW North Dakota tonight and in the southern half of Minnesota tomorrow night: 

Here’s a look at winds the next 4 days: 

Here’s a look at dew point over the next 4 days: 

Here’s a look at 7-day total rainfall: 

Here’s a look at city charts for Minneapolis, Sioux Falls, Bismarck and Fergus Falls: 

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out via [email protected]! Have a blessed day and stay safe.