Multiple Rounds of Storms and Severe Weather Possible Over Memorial Day Weekend

(KNSI) — Some Memorial Day weekend plans may get rained out as multiple rounds of thunderstorms are expected through Tuesday. Occasional severe weather is likely with any thunderstorm activity Saturday night through Monday night. The highest severe weather risks are Sunday and Monday.

The Storm Prediction Center has all of Minnesota with a chance for severe weather on Saturday night, Sunday, and Sunday night and again on Monday and Monday night.

Most of the state is in the marginal risk level – or 1 out of 5 – for Saturday night. Showers and thunderstorms will move from the Dakotas into western and central Minnesota. Some of those could be severe with hail and gusty winds—the best chances for that us late Saturday night through early Sunday morning.

Forecasters have about the southwestern quarter of Minnesota, including St. Cloud, at the enhanced risk – or 3 out of 5 – for severe weather on Sunday. Significant severe weather, including very large hail and hurricane-force wind gusts, are possible with the strongest storms. Tornadoes are also possible. A very unstable airmass will pop up over Nebraska and veer into Minnesota. Storms will bubble up Sunday across western Minnesota and quickly reach severe levels as strong upper level winds supporting supercell development will get going in the late afternoon and evening hours.

Another system centered over the Rockies will extend into the Upper Midwest, including Minnesota, and become increasingly unstable on Monday. That will create an environment that could support strong to severe thunderstorms. Like Sunday’s system, storms will develop in western Minnesota and quickly strengthen. The best chances for that will be Monday afternoon and evening.

Have a way to get weather warnings over the weekend.

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