Severe storms and flooding rain likely across southern Minnesota
Wednesday, June 26 — MINNESOTA is bracing for multiple rounds of intense thunderstorms and heavy rainfall through Thursday, as warm, unstable air surges northward from the Plains. According to meteorologist Sven Sundgaard, the most significant impacts will be felt in southern Minnesota, where a warm front is expected to spark severe weather, especially later today.
Rainfall totals could easily reach between 1 to 4 inches (25 to 100 mm), with localized areas seeing even higher amounts where storms train over the same locations. The Storm Prediction Center has placed parts of southern Minnesota under a SLIGHT RISK for severe weather, meaning scattered severe storms are possible, particularly this afternoon into the evening.
Thunderstorms will be capable of producing damaging wind gusts, large hail, and very heavy downpours, which could lead to flash flooding—especially in low-lying or poorly drained urban areas like Rochester, Mankato, and Albert Lea.
Friday is expected to bring a brief break, with quieter and drier conditions across most of the state. But this lull will be short-lived.
The weekend will usher in another round of unsettled weather, accompanied by hot and humid air. Saturday’s highs are forecast to climb to near 90°F (32°C), creating steamy and unstable conditions that may trigger more thunderstorm activity, particularly late in the day and into Sunday.
Meteorologists continue to monitor the evolving upper-level pattern and moisture feed from the Gulf of Mexico, which are fueling this stretch of volatile summer weather across Minnesota.
