'Ridge Rider' Storms Could Bring Severe Weather, Flooding to Northern States

July 19,2016
A so-called "ridge rider" weather pattern will bring periods of stormy weather to the nation's northern tier through the end of the week. At times, the storms could turn severe with damaging wind gusts.
In addition, torrential downpours may cause flash flooding in some areas.
The term "ridge rider" refers to the disturbances triggering the storminess as they move along the northern periphery of a hot ridge of high pressure aloft. That high-pressure system is the same one responsible for bringing dangerous heat to the Central and Eastern U.S. through this weekend.

Disturbances in the middle portion of the atmosphere ride along the northern periphery of the hot high-pressure system.

(MORE: Dangerous Heat Ahead This Week)

Thunderstorm, Heavy Rain Forecast

Tuesday and Wednesday

• Forecast: Showers and thunderstorms will spread across parts of the Upper Midwest into the Great Lakes.
• Impacts: Heavy rain may be the greatest threat from any storms that develop, though some damaging wind gusts are also possible. The National Weather Service has issued flash flood watches for parts of southeastern Minnesota, northeastern Iowa and western Wisconsin through Wednesday morning.

Current Radar, Watches and Warnings

Thursday and Friday

• Forecast: Storms may impact the Great Lakes states on Thursday and then spread into the Northeast on Friday.
• Impacts: A few storms may turn severe, with damaging wind gusts being the main threat. Locally heavy rain is also possible.

There is still some uncertainty with this forecast, so check back for updates.
MORE: Lightning Strikes on Iconic Places