The central United States is bracing for a significant multiday outbreak of severe weather this week, with the potential for large and destructive tornadoes, particularly in the Upper Midwest early this week. AccuWeather meteorologists are warning of a “high risk” for severe storms on Monday afternoon and night across parts of Iowa, southeastern Minnesota, and southwestern Wisconsin, including major metropolitan areas like Des Moines and the Twin Cities.
This intense weather threat follows days of persistent severe storms across the western High Plains, where reports of monster hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes have been ongoing since Thursday.
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The weekend will conclude with a continued risk of severe weather from West Texas northward into the Dakotas, with the possibility of softball-sized hail (up to 4 inches in diameter), wind gusts exceeding 60 mph, and isolated tornadoes late Sunday into Sunday night. Residents in this region are urged to identify safe shelter as storms develop.
However, the most concerning period is forecast for Monday in the Upper Midwest. As a storm system tracks across the Plains and encounters warm, humid air, conditions will become highly favorable for explosive thunderstorm development. AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Bill Deger highlighted that Monday could be “one of the most active days of severe weather so far this season.”
AccuWeather Meteorologist Alexander Duffus explained the heightened tornado risk, stating, “Strong thunderstorms will be enhanced by a fast-moving jet stream. That will lend support for the potential of a few intense tornadoes across the region.”
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The area under the “high risk” designation includes millions of residents across Iowa, southeastern Minnesota, and southwestern Wisconsin. Travel, both by air and road, is expected to be significantly impacted.
“Some of the tornadoes expected to spawn later Monday can be long-lived,” cautioned AccuWeather Meteorologist Elizabeth Danco. “This will pose a serious risk, particularly with those that develop after dark when they are more difficult to detect and prepare for.”
Residents and businesses within the high-risk zone are strongly advised to have a well-rehearsed safety plan in place in the event of a Tornado Warning, especially for nighttime scenarios. Utilizing weather alert applications, such as the AccuWeather App, is crucial for receiving timely warnings.
Beyond the tornado threat, these severe thunderstorms will also be capable of producing very large hail and widespread damaging winds across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and northern Missouri.
While the severe weather threat is expected to diminish late Monday night in the Upper Midwest, storms could still impact the Chicago area by Tuesday morning, potentially causing delays for the morning commute due to heavy downpours.
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The risk of damaging storms will then shift eastward and southward through the middle of the week.
On Tuesday, the Ohio Valley and interior Northeast, including cities like Buffalo, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, and Pittsburgh, will be under the threat of severe weather. Simultaneously, western and northern Texas into Oklahoma could see another round of strong storms. While the tornado risk will be lower on Tuesday, these storms can still bring hail, flooding rain, and gusty winds.
By Wednesday, the severe weather threat will focus on a smaller area encompassing the heart of Texas, north into Oklahoma, and east into parts of Arkansas and Louisiana.
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