National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Scattered Severe Thunderstorms Across the Northern Plains; Fire Weather Concerns in the Western U.S.

Scattered severe thunderstorms are forecast across central and eastern North Dakota, as well as far northwest Minnesota Saturday (Slight Risk level 2 of 5). Damaging wind gusts are the primary threat. Elevated to critical fire weather conditions will persist through the weekend across the Western U.S. Isolated dry thunderstorms could lead to new fire starts over portions of the northern Rockies. Read More >

Good afternoon everyone! Here’s what we’re currently anticipating for tonight and tomorrow. Smoke will linger across the surface overnight before somewhat clearing during the day Saturday, though smoke aloft will linger through the end of the weekend. Chances for showers and thunderstorms are expected across central North Dakota tonight, then again across much of the forecast area tomorrow afternoon and evening, with strong to severe storms possible across central North Dakota.
Tomorrow, there is a potential for isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms across portions of central and eastern North Dakota through the late afternoon and evening period. On Sunday, isolated severe thunderstorms will again be possible across portions of south central and south eastern North Dakota in the afternoon and evening hours.
It's looking like our hot and dry pattern will continue through the beginning of August. It is highly likely (80-90% chance) that western and much of central North Dakota will see above average temperatures in the August 2nd through 8th period, which is the end of the climatological hottest time of the year. There is also a modest dry signal, although this doesn't mean there won't occasionally be chances for showers and thunderstorms. With this pattern continuing, there is growing concern for the risk of rapid onset drought in much of western and central North Dakota.