Happy Friday Everyone! This weekend will bring the chance for some severe storms across the Upper Midwest and Southeast. Temperatures and dew points will be increasing throughout the day today in the North Central region. The Sierra Nevada will continue to see the chance for some rain showers (and maybe even more light snow) over the weekend. You can always get YOUR forecast at wx.aerisweather.com! Here’s a round-up of what to expect across the nation:
Severe Potential
A stalled boundary draped over the Ohio Valley will lead to the chance for some strong storms this afternoon and evening in Kentucky. Greatest threats are torrential rain and damaging wind gusts. A few brief, isolated tornadoes are possible as well. This is not good news for those planning on heading to Kentucky Speedway in Sparta for the NASCAR Xfinity race. Pack an umbrella and rain coat! Another area where strong storms are likely is in far southeastern Nebraska and eastern Kansas. Hail, gusty winds, and a few isolated tornadoes are possible with these storms.
On Saturday, things begin to quiet down a bit. However, some marginally severe cells could develop across the Southeast. There is also a marginal risk for much of the Upper Midwest as a warm front begins to nudge in from the South. Some isolated storms in both regions could contain hail and gusty winds. The NASCAR Sprint Cup race will likely remain dry, however, there is a slight chance of a few isolated showers for much of northern Kentucky Saturday evening.
Sunday brings a better chance for severe weather from the Twin Cities to far northwestern Illinois. The dynamics look more favorable for severe weather Sunday rather than Saturday for much of the Upper Midwest. Hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes are possible.
North Central Warm Up
Temperatures and humidity will be increasing through this weekend across much of the North Central region as a warm front pushes in from the South. Along with the sticker air, the threat for severe weather re-enters the forecast. Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have a chance of strong late day storms on Saturday. Better potential for severe weather exists on Sunday as the frontal boundary slides over the area. The Twin Cities’ extended forecast indicates afternoon highs climbing into the upper 80s with dew points in the “uncomfortable” low 70s. Most places will have a good shot at hitting 90F for an air temp. Heat indices will be in the upper 90s and low 100s on Sunday and Monday. Strenuous outdoor activities should be limited. Take breaks in the shade, or preferably the air conditioning, and drink lots of water.
Sierra Nevada Snow
Thursday and Friday parts of the Sierra Nevada saw light snow! There was little to no accumulation in most locations, but Sonora Pass did manage to see a few flakes stick to the ground for a short period of time. The chance for more rain showers will remain over much of the higher elevations of central and northern California this weekend. Great news for the extreme drought conditions.
3 Day National Forecast
Much of Texas will enjoy a beautiful day with lots of sun and temps in the 90s. Phoenix will be at the century mark with continued dry weather. San Francisco stays stuck under clouds, so afternoon highs will remain in the low 60s.
Billings, MT will continue their string of 90 degree readings on Saturday with a slight chance of a few afternoon storms. Denver will have a great start to their weekend with lots of sunshine and temps in the upper 80s. The Southeast will see the risk for some afternoon storms.
Seattle continues to see lots of cloud cover on Sunday as temps stay in the mid 70s. New York will have abundant sunshine and nice summer temperatures. Minneapolis could see a late day severe storm as a warm front pushes northward. Chicago will experience a big jump in temperatures from Saturday to Sunday. The Sunshine state finally sees a break from the sea breeze on Sunday. Lots of sunshine and 80s for Miami.
Enjoy the weekend! July is quickly slipping away…
-Meteorologist Ashley O’Connor