A robust upper-level trough sweeping through the northern Plains Friday morning is setting the stage for a notably dynamic weather pattern for August. There were widespread wind reports over with the Grand Forks AFB clocking a wind gust of 91 mph. Storms will continue throughout the day, as there will be plenty of energy and instability across the plains. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has severe outlooks in place through Sunday. These storms will pose a significant threat, including the possibility of a few tornadoes, hail over two inches in size, and wind gusts over 75 mph.  

Friday

As the front pushes eastward, it will tap into enough instability . Early this morning, the threat zone includes much of North Dakota, gradually shifting into northern Minnesota by the evening. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has highlighted an Slight Risk of severe thunderstorms across North Dakota to start the day, extending into parts of Minnesota and other areas of the upper Midwest later tonight.

Friday Morning, a line of thunderstorms (meeting some of the criteria of a Derecho) Dakotas into northern Minnesota. These storms are delivering isolated damaging wind gusts and large hail, especially where stronger cells persist. 

However, the exact evolution of storms later in the day remains uncertain due to the lingering impacts of early-day convection. Ongoing storms could disrupt atmospheric recovery, limiting destabilization in some regions. Still, areas behind the front and north of any residual outflow boundaries are likely somewhere across northern Minnesota, and could see additional storm development through the day. 

Further south, within the warm sector, thunderstorm development along the advancing cold front is expected by late afternoon or early evening

Saturday

Saturday, the Storm Prediction Center issued severe outlooks for severe storms, as the overnight progresses, the dominant threat may shift to damaging straight-line winds, with organized convection likely to sweep eastward. Stay inside as these storms pass and park your car in a garage or carport, if possible as hail will be a threat too. Saturday already has a slight risk of severe weather across Wisconsin and Iowa.

Alongside the severe thunderstorm potential, periods of heavy rainfall are expected to develop across northern Minnesota by midday and persist into the night. As the system evolves, a secondary wave of low pressure will develop, reinforcing rainfall and expanding its reach. This renewed surge of moisture is forecast to drift farther south by the weekend, affecting areas including Iowa, southern Wisconsin, and northern Illinois. The main low-pressure center, meanwhile, will lift into southern Canada. 

Stay with WeatherNation for the latest updates throughout the next few days on-air and online.