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Severe Weather Chops The Upper Midwest, Plains

July 15, 2025 at 05:33 AM EDT
By WeatherBug Meteorologist, Christian Sayles
Today's Severe Weather Outlook

It may be a new workweek, but Mother Nature plans to serve up a summery dish of severe weather across portions of the central and northern U.S. today.

The catalyst for this activity will stem from unusually cooler air dropping out of Canada which will interact with the warm, moist air found over the northern Plains and Upper Mississippi Valley. This combo will likely generate strong to severe clusters of thunderstorms later today and perhaps into the early morning hours of Wednesday too.

In fact, there is a Severe Thunderstorm Watch in place this morning across north-central Minnesota, which includes International Falls.

The government’s Storm Prediction Center has placed one Slight Risk (2 out of 5 on the severe weather scale) over central Wyoming and another one that stretches from northern Kansas and much of Nebraska into southeastern South Dakota, western Iowa, central Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and the upper peninsula of Michigan. Embedded within the second Slight Risk, an Enhanced Risk is found (3 out of 5 on the severe weather scale) over central Nebraska and southeastern South Dakota. 

Cities such as Kearney, North Platte and Omaha, Neb., Casper, Wyo., Sioux Falls, S.D., the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, and Marquette, Mich., all have the best chance of seeing thunderstorm wind gusts exceeding 50 to 60 mph, large hail and perhaps an isolated tornado or two. An isolated severe thunderstorm may even be found across Salt Lake City, Cheyenne, Wyo., and Colby, Kan., today. 

Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they become issued. A “watch” means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur and to be on alert for any rapidly changing conditions. A “warning” means that severe weather is imminent, and you should act fast to remain safe.

The best way to remain safe is to stay prepared and informed about your local weather. Have a severe weather kit packed with a battery-operated radio, water, and non-perishable food items should you be without power for long periods of time. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today's severe weather. Remember, "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!"