Storm watch issued for west central Minnesota; rough weather expected elsewhere later Wednesday

First the heat and humidity, then the possibility of strong and severe storms. That’s the forecast for the rest of Wednesday across much of Minnesota and the Twin Cities.

Just after noon, the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for west central Minnesota with additional advisories expected throughout the day. Southwestern Minnesota is under an enhanced risk for severe weather Wednesday with a swath of the state from northwestern Minnesota through the west metro and south to the Iowa border under a slight risk for turbulent weather, the National Weather Service said.

“Have a way to receive forecast updates and watches and warnings throughout the day and into the overnight hours,” the Weather Service in the Twin Cities said.

Strong and severe thunderstorms packing 70 mph winds and small hail in South Dakota were pushing across the border, prompting the Weather Service to issue a severe thunderstorm watch covering 22 west central Minnesota counties, including the cities of Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Fargo-Moorhead, Morris, Willmar and just west of St. Cloud.

Temperatures rising into the low 90s combined with dew points in the 70s were creating “an unstable environment,” setting the stage for the rough weather predicted to move across Minnesota Wednesday afternoon and evening. The main threats would be high winds, hail up to 2 inches in diameter, and a tornado or two, the Weather Service said.

Storms in the Twin Cities were predicted to arrive after 4 p.m.

The National Weather Service said it has called off its weather radio test due to severe weather in the forecast this afternoon.