Weather Story

NOW: Funnel Clouds Possible into This Evening

Heavy Rain Likely for Some Today

Hot and Humid Tue & Wed

Severe Weather Risk Wednesday Afternoon

Severe Weather Planning Timeline

There will be the possibility of funnel clouds along the Mississippi River and east into west central and southwest Wisconsin. These type of funnel clouds do not approach the ground and pose no threat to life or property. However, in the rare case a funnel would touch down, it is a tornado and property damage and injury to person could result.

Several rounds of showers & storms lift through the region today, each of which capable of producing heavy rain. Exact rainfall amounts at a given location will be highly variable, but widespread amounts of 1-2 inches with localized pockets of over 3 inches are expected. If this heavy rain occurs in areas of poor drainage, such as urban and hilly areas, localized flooding could quickly occur. If you are traveling or have outdoor plans, stay weather aware in case you encounter any flooding.

After our rain departs Monday night, heat and humidity arrive for Tuesday and Wednesday. Heat indices on Tuesday rise into the 90s and 95-105 degrees for Wednesday. The risk for showers and storms does lower confidence in the exact heat index values on Wednesday, but it should be humid regardless of the coverage of storms. If you have outdoor plans, be sure to plan appropriately and stay well-hydrated.

We continue to monitor the risk for severe storms Wednesday afternoon across the Upper Mississippi River valley region. At this time, storms are looking to develop near I-35 and quickly become severe as they move eastward. Large hail is favored early on with the storms, transitioning to damaging winds as the storms move east of the Mississippi River. Details on the exact storm timing, locations most at risk, and hazard severity will be refined over the next day or so. Additional strong to severe storms are possible early Wednesday morning with large hail being the main threat.

With the risk for a potentially significant severe weather event looming for Wednesday afternoon, now is the time to dust off your severe weather preparedness plan. Double check your that your safe places are accessible and ensure your family communication plans are up-to-date.