Severe Weather: July 11

After yesterday's severe weather in eastern Iowa, it looks like both western and central Iowa will get their turn today. A cold front associated with a low pressure system in southern Canada, will continue to slowly work eastward this afternoon. Thunderstorms are expected to develop along this front in northern Minnesota as early as 3 PM this afternoon, capable of large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. As the afternoon progresses, storms should begin to fire further and further south along the cold front. Current model forecasts have the front entering extreme northwest Iowa around 6 or 7 PM this evening, with storms firing along the front by 8 PM.

As storms fire along the front in extreme northwest Iowa, they may be able to stay isolated for the first hour leaving them capable of large hail despite very warm temperatures. However, current forecasts look to make this into a fairly large line of thunderstorms as they progress. Leaving more of a damaging wind threat for areas of western and central Iowa. Storms should move eastward, allowing them to reach the I35 corridor in northern Iowa sometime before midnight. Other storms, possibly severe, should be trailing to the southwest along the front as well back into portions of west-central Iowa.

Besides the thunderstorm risk this evening, be prepared for a hot July day! Temperatures soaring into the 90s across nearly the entire state this afternoon, with some mid and upper 90s possible in western Iowa. Dewpoints will also be high, upper 60s and lower 70s, leading to very humid/muggy conditions for those outside. Be sure to keep hydrated as heat index values may break the 100 degree mark later this afternoon. Today would definitely be the day to hit the beach!!