Midweek storm threat increases as 'potentially significant' severe weather eyes millions across Midwest
Moisture, paired with strong daytime heating, will help fuel storms capable of producing very large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes.
Multi-day stretch of severe storms targeting the Plains and Midwest
On the heels of last week's severe weather in the Plains, the focus now turns to the Upper Midwest, where highly populated regions face an increasing multi-day threat.
On the heels of last week's severe weather in the Plains, the focus now turns to the Upper Midwest, where highly populated regions face an increasing multi-day threat.
The FOX Forecast Center warns these storms could be significant. By midweek, the threat zone expands to over 40 million Americans, with large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes all possible.
On Tuesday, a large dip in the jet stream is forecast to take shape across the West Coast.
Ahead of a surface low pushing northward overnight and its associated cold front, very high levels of instability will continue to build.
TROPICAL STORM BORIS FORMS IN THE EASTERN PACIFIC JUST OFF SOUTHERN MEXICO, THREATENS FLOODING RAIN
Dew points in the 50s and low 60s, paired with strong daytime heating, will help fuel storms capable of producing very large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes.
For this reason, a Level 3 out of 5 severe weather risk is in place, mainly across North Dakota, closest to the area of low pressure.
POTENTIALLY RECORD-HIGH TEMPS TO ROAST OVER 100 MILLION IN MAJOR CITIES ALONG THE EAST COAST
The FOX Forecast Center said the biggest threats with developing storms Tuesday afternoon and into the evening will be large hail and tornadoes.
Meanwhile, the overnight threat will transition to primarily damaging winds as storms push into the Red River Valley.
On Wednesday, the focus shifts east as the parent area of low pressure moves into Canada, while its trailing cold front will begin moving through the Upper Midwest.
DOWNPOURS TO DRENCH MILLIONS IN THE SOUTH AND CENTRAL US AMID GROWING FLOOD THREAT
A Level 3 out of 5 severe weather risk is also in place and includes portions of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa.
FILE: FOX Weather Meteorologist Haley Meier tracks tornado that touched down in Truman, Minnesota, on Monday afternoon. (Jarrod Maloney/FOX Weather / FOX Weather)
Specifically, Minneapolis appears to be right in the bullseye for what the Storm Prediction Center is calling a "potentially significant severe weather event" Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Deep-layer shear and instability will set the stage for supercells and bowed lines of storms capable of producing all severe hazards once again.
WHAT IS A SUPERCELL THUNDERSTORM?
By Thursday, the threat shifts into the Midwest, with a Level 2 out of 5 severe weather risk that includes more than 38 million Americans and major metro areas such as Chicago, St. Louis and Milwaukee.
ELDERLY MAN DIES DURING SATURDAY'S SEVERE STORMS AFTER TREE FALLS IN NEW YORK CITY
Storms will continue to develop in the afternoon and evening along the cold front as it marches eastward, with all severe weather hazards possible once again.
Severe thunderstorms put on a light show over the skies of Chicago on Aug. 18, 2025. (Craig Shimala via Storyful / FOX Weather)
Additionally, these moisture-rich storms could bring the potential for low-end risk flash flooding, with widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches possible across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois.
Localized amounts exceeding 2 to 3 inches are possible where storms move more slowly or repeatedly track over the same areas.
Stay tuned to FOX Weather for the latest updates on the multi-day severe weather event.