FIRST ALERT: Severe storm potential today, Sunday & Monday

Wind Advisory in effect for the James River Valley until 7 PM. SE winds of 30 to 35 mph and gusts up to 45 mph may cause impacts. SATURDAY MORNING: Our morning has started on a cloudy, breezy note with temperatures in the upper 50s to middle 60s. As of mid-Saturday morning, light rain is sweeping through the southern RRV and thunderstorms are pushing through northeast ND. The showers and isolated storms will continue moving northeast well into the afternoon hours.

FIRST ALERT SATURDAY, SUNDAY, & MONDAY: A low-pressure system will bring moisture and instability over the weekend. Ingredients will be in place for strong to severe thunderstorm potential.

The severe weather risk will start today, with a Level 1 risk across eastern ND, the RRV, and northwest MN and a Level 2 risk in the Devils Lake Basin. In other words, there is a risk of isolated to scattered severe storms. Large hail up to ping pong ball size and damaging winds up to 75 mph are the greatest hazards. However, all hazards are on the table, including tornadoes. Regarding timing, a few strong thundershowers will pop up in the northern areas between late morning and mid-afternoon. The best timeline for storms, however, is between late Saturday evening through early Sunday morning. With overnight severe storms possible, it’s essential to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts that can wake you up.

The area of greatest severe weather risk will then likely spread into most of our region on Sunday, with a Level 2 risk covering eastern ND, the Red River Valley, and all of northwest MN. The Level 2 risk will then move into Minnesota Monday, while the rest of our region will be under a Level 1 risk. That means between Sunday and Monday, isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms are expected. The complex low will then exit our region altogether Tuesday. Sunday and Monday have less certainty regarding exact timing and storm impacts. Still, all storm hazards - large hail, damaging winds, heavy rain, and even tornadoes - are on the table. Make sure to keep the VNL First Alert Weather App handy as we First Alert track the storms.

Besides the storm chances, temperatures will also climb over the next few days. Saturday and Sunday will bring lows in the 60s and highs in the low-to-mid 80s. By Monday, lows will be in the upper-60s and highs may be in the upper-80s and low-90s. The heat index could push closer to 100 with dew points expected to be in the upper 60s and low 70s. It will also be windy with gusts near 40 mph Saturday and Sunday.

TUESDAY - THURSDAY: Behind the stretch of severe weather, the main story becomes the heat. Tuesday is expected to be the coolest day of the week with highs in the upper-80s and low 90s with sunshine. Wednesday and Thursday heat up a few degrees, and there is a chance of storms Wednesday PM with a slight chance Thursday. Humidity increases as well by Thursday, so heat related impacts are possible as the heat index could approach the upper 90s and low 100s.

INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND FRIDAY - SUNDAY: The heat continues right into the weekend. Friday brings a mix of sun and clouds with highs again soaring into the low-90s. Saturday, the 4th of July, will start with morning lows in the upper 60s before heating back up into the upper 80s and low 90s. There is a chance of storms Saturday evening. While it’s still a week out, keep this in mind if you have outdoor plans for the 4th. Sunday cools down just slightly into the mid/upper 80s.

FARGO 7-DAY FORECAST:

FIRST ALERT Saturday: Partly cloudy. Chance PM storms. Chance severe. Windy. Low: 65 High: 83

FIRST ALERT Sunday: Chance severe storms. Windy. Low: 69 High: 85

FIRST ALERT Monday: Partly cloudy. Chance severe storms. Hot and humid. Low: 68 High: 93

Tuesday: Sunny and hot. Low: 66 High: 90

Wednesday: Mostly sunny. Hot. Chance PM storms. Low: 66 High: 92

Thursday: Mostly sunny skies. Hot and humid. PM storm chance. Low: 67 High: 92

Friday: A few clouds. Hot and humid. Low: 69 High: 93

FIRST ALERT: Severe storm potential today, Sunday & Monday

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