Stormy Week of Weather for North-Central U.S. and Beyond

The zone from the Plains and the Great Lakes will see stormy conditions to start the new work week, continuing the volatile pattern that has been gripping this region. Read on for more information about where to expect the storms to pop up and when.

Storms Will Roam the Northern Edge of the Developing Heat Dome

Locally severe thunderstorms will usher in the threat of flash flooding, destructive winds, and isolated tornadoes across a large swath of the central U.S. The primary impact zone through late Wednesday will focus on the Rockies and to the east into the Great Lakes. A separate zone of severe storms is also expected to set up over the southeastern U.S. at the same time.

The storms will come as a result of a weak front that is dipping to the south throughout the Appalachians, the eastern Carolinas, and a portion of the southern Atlantic coastline. The change in the atmospheric conditions will lay the groundwork for the formation of rain showers and thunderstorms in this part of the country. Forecasters are warning that the storm cells will be strong enough to generate winds of up to 50 mph at times. Winds of this magnitude could be enough to bring down power lines and tree branches.

The most prolific marker of these potential storms will be the heavy rain. Some areas could see flash flooding.

Another zone of storms is also expected along the southern Atlantic coastline on Tuesday, expanding from northeastern Florida and up into the Carolinas. Areas such as Jacksonville will enjoy calm conditions early, with the greatest chance of storms erupting during the afternoon and evening hours. Temperatures expected to hit the mid-90s will work to fuel the development of these storms. You can expect overnight lows to slip to about 77 degrees in the coastal city.

Moving up the seaboard, Savannah, Georgia, will also see an increased chance of storms in the evening hours. This threat will persist well into Wednesday, with the storm threat becoming more dangerous. Savannah is anticipating 1 to 2 inches of rain on Wednesday alone, raising the risk of flooding issues. Highs in the mid-90s on Tuesday will be replaced with top readings in the mid-80s the next day. Overnight lows will hold steady in the upper 70s during this time.

The biggest risk of storm activity on Tuesday afternoon and into the overnight hours will be across the north-central U.S. The greatest concentration of storms will land between central portions of Montana and over into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

To the west, the storms will remain a threat in places such as Billings, Montana. The college town is expecting partly cloudy skies to start the day, with more clouds moving in during the afternoon hours. The evening forecast is calling for scattered thunderstorms. Highs will top out in the upper 70s before falling into the upper 50s overnight. It will be a bit breezy in the college town with winds out of the east-northeast at 10 to 15 mph.

Moving farther to the east into the northern Plains, Minot, North Dakota, will get off to a soggy start with periodic rain showers. Cloudy conditions will remain even after the rain dissipates, keeping the mercury suppressed in the mid-70s for a high. The forecast is calling for winds out of the north at 10 to 15 mph and lows that dip to 60 degrees.

This is typical behavior for summertime storms that ignite along the northern boundary of a heat dome as temperatures clash. In addition, the location of the jet stream to the north during this time of the year also sets the stage for a more volatile weather pattern.

In addition to heavy rain and high winds, Tuesday's storms could also be powerful enough to produce isolated tornadic activity. Because so much of the activity is expected in the overnight hours, it is a good idea to enable all smartphone weather notifications so that you are not caught off guard by potentially dangerous storms.

Storm Line to Move Farther East and South on Wednesday

By the middle of the week, the primary threat zone will linger over the central portions of the U.S., creeping a bit farther to the south and the east when compared to Tuesday's general risk zone. This will put the bulk of the action across eastern Wyoming, the southeastern corner of Montana, northeastern Colorado, and to the east into northern Michigan.

Minneapolis will be one of the major cities under the gun for severe storms on this day. Wednesday's forecast is calling for partly cloudy skies early in the day with heavy thunderstorms on tap for the afternoon and evening hours. Despite the building clouds, highs will still manage to approach the 90-degree barrier in the Twin Cities. Winds will be coming from the south-southwest at speeds of 10 to 15 mph. Temperatures will remain warm overnight with a forecast low of about 71 degrees.

Rapid City, South Dakota, will be on the western fringe of the storm activity on Wednesday. The popular summer tourist destination will see the greatest chance of storms in the afternoon or evening hours. Temperatures will tumble about 10 to 15 degrees from Tuesday's highs, topping out in the mid 70s on Wednesday. Overnight lows will land in the low 60s.

Thursday's forecast is calling for the storms to train over the central portions of the Great Lakes. For instance, it is shaping up to be a messy day in Detroit. The Motor City is bracing for persistent thunderstorms throughout the day and evening hours. The temperatures will fall about 10 degrees from the day prior, struggling to climb out of the low 80s. Overnight lows will bounce around near the 70-degree mark.

The unsettled conditions will impact parts of the Northeast on Friday. Check back soon for more updates on this fluid forecast as the workweek comes to an end.

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