Forecast First Alert: Severe storms possible Wednesday

Here’s your Tuesday evening forecast for July 18, 2023 from Minnesota’s Weather Authority and Meteorologist Wren Clair.

Minnesota’s Weather Authority is calling a Forecast First Alert for Wednesday afternoon and evening. Isolated severe storms are possible, and some could have big hail, strong winds, and isolated tornadoes.

Forecast First Alert is in place for tomorrow, specifically for Wednesday afternoon and evening. The risk for severe storms is greatest across central and southern MN into western Wisconsin. While a few strong storms are possible overnight tonight across far western Minnesota, the greatest risk for severe weather is Wednesday late afternoon 3PM through about 10 PM. So the morning scattered showers and storms are not the round of active weather that poses the main severe weather threat for the day.

Right now it looks like there will be a mid-morning through mid-afternoon lull in storm chances. That should allow the atmosphere to rebound nicely, increasing the risk for severe weather later in the day. If we have rain and storms linger longer through the morning, that could impact the coverage of late afternoon and evening storms Any storm that develops Wednesday afternoon and evening could have large hail, strong winds, and an isolated tornado. If you have plans outside tomorrow, make sure you have a plan in case severe storms develop, and stay with Minnesota’s Weather Authority for the latest forecast.