ALERT DAY: TORNADO WATCH in effect until Midnight tonight

A TORNADO WATCH has been issued until Midnight Monday night.

The combination of severe weather and heavy rainfall will make Monday afternoon and evening an ALERT DAY!

A stationary front will setup near the Minnesota and Iowa state line and will be the focus for showers and thunderstorms. Gulf of Mexico moisture will surge northward over the front where heavy rain will be possible especially near and north of I-90.

A few showers will be possible during the morning hours into the afternoon before becoming more likely late in the afternoon and through the night when the heaviest rains will likely occur as the system’s main energy is expected to swing through.

Rainfall amounts of 1-3″ (locally higher) are possible, especially near and north of I-90 with amounts of 1.00″ or less further south.

There is also the potential of severe thunderstorms with large hail and gusty winds as the main threat. A tornado is also possible if a thunderstorm can interact with the warm front if conditions become favorable. There will likely be a “cap” further south of the front and mainly in north Iowa with a region of warmer aloft fighting to suppress thunderstorm development. If thunderstorms break through, then severe thunderstorms with all hazards will be possible.

Showers and thunderstorms will end late overnight by Tuesday morning.

Clouds and chances for rain will keep temperatures in the 70s north of the front and I-90, whereas areas south of the front and of I-90 will likely top out in the 80s.