Western North Dakota Bracing For A Severe Weather Wednesday

The Wild Wild West

Things could get a little bumpy for Western North Dakota today as the skies might finally open up and give us some much-needed rain. I know my lawn has turned into the Sierra Desert, and some moisture would be a welcome sight for most of us. We are over two inches short of our normal rainfall for the month of July. We just haven't had our typical July thunderstorms like we normally do, but we at least have a shot for some significant rain today and tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

(SEE ALSO: The 15 Most Out in the Middle of Nowhere Towns in North Dakota)

Impacts and Timing

Western North Dakota could see large hail the size of golf balls, damaging winds up to 70 miles per hour, and tornadoes are also possible, but it looks like they will be confined to the northwestern part of the state. The timing appears to be this afternoon and early evening. Take a look at this map from the National Weather Service.

The Bottom Line

This is a Level 2 threat for much of western North Dakota. We are right on the edge in Bismarck-Mandan and are looking at more of an isolated chance of severe weather. We have a better chance of showers and thunderstorms on Thursday in the Capital Region. We have the potential to receive from a quarter of an inch up to an inch of rain over the next couple of days. Let's hope we get it without the severe weather. Judging by the looks of the crops, they could use a shot of moisture.

Be weather aware this afternoon and evening, and keep listening to this Townsquare Media Station, and our meteorologists from Severe Studios will keep you informed.