Dakota Storm Center: Wednesday's Weather Blog

9:00pm

Overview

There is a low pressure system over the Southeast U.S. A front is stretched across the Northwest Gulf of Mexico, to a second low over South Texas. There is a broad ridge of high pressure that is centered over the Great Lakes region and stretched from the Northeast U.S. through the Midwest and into the Central & Southern Plains.

Discussion

Across the area on this Hump-day, we have been seeing mostly sunny skies with in & out light clouds over parts of the area and light to moderate winds. Temperatures climbed through the 70s and into the lower 80s (for some), topping out above average for this time of the year. The warm area on the map was Northwest, North Dakota and the warm spot on the map was Minot at 81 degrees. This pleasantly warm feel will remain a theme through the rest of the week and a few areas will see isolated rain.

A ridge of high pressure over the upper- Midwest & Great Lakes region is stretched across the Dakotas. As this system drifts to the East, we will start to see changes in our conditions. More clouds will roll into the area, temperatures will continue to climb into the lower 80s and there will be a slight chance for afternoon rain as we wrap up the work week. As the western edge of this ridge moves through the state winds will pick up, becoming moderate to strong and gusty. Thursday, a few isolated showers will be possible over Eastern & parts of Central North Dakota. Friday, hit & miss rain will be possible, again. Friday & Saturday, a low pressure system will develop on the lee side of the Rockies before moving through the Northern Plains, this weekend.

Headlines include a ridge of high pressure that will continue to affect our area as it drifts East. We will see plenty of sunshine with in & out light clouds, as skies become mostly sunny to partly cloudy. Temperatures will continue to warm (day by day) and significant rain chances will be back in the forecast, this weekend.

Through the rest of tonight & Thursday

Tonight we will see fair to partly cloudy skies with in& out light cloud cover and a rain-free forecast. Temperatures will fall to either side of 50 with a mild feel across the area. Winds will be light to moderate and a little gusty at times. Tomorrow will bring more sunshine with a chance for scattered showers (East) and winds picking up during the midday& afternoon hours. Highs will top out in the mid to upper 70s with a few 80s on the map.

7day planner

A broad ridge of high pressure is extended over the Dakotas and slowly moving East. Winds will become moderate to strong, gusty and out of the South & Southeast. Through the rest of the work week, there will be low rain chances and plenty of sunshine with in & out clouds for parts of North Dakota. This quiet pattern will be interrupted this weekend with a low pressure system and cold front, from the west. Some thunderstorms may become rough, Sunday & Monday. The potential for severe weather is low at this time, but may change.

Tonight, will be mostly clear and a little cool. Lows 45-53 with a South/SE wind 5-15mph G20.

Thursday, expect plenty of sunshine with in & out light clouds, a warm feel and breezy winds. Highs in the 74-82 with a South wind 10-20mph G30.

Thursday night, we will see fair to partly cloudy skies with a mild feel and winds remaining breezy. Lows 49-57 with a SE wind 5-15mph G20.

Friday will bring mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies with unseasonably warm temperatures and a few hit & miss showers (East). Highs in the 70s with a few 80s possible and a SE wind 10-20mph G30.

Friday night will be mild with fair to partly cloudy skies. Lows in the 50s with a moderate & gusty wind out of the SE 10-20mph.