Week to start with severe storms in Chicago, snow in Minneapolis

By Faith Eherts, AccuWeather meteorologist

April 11,2017, 7:10:35AM,EDT

 

 Both severe thunderstorms and wintry weather are in store for part of the midwestern United States early this week.

As a storm system takes shape over the central Plains, cooler air will be pulled into the Upper Midwest, slashing the recent warm streak.
May-like temperatures in Minneapolis are being replaced with below-normal temperatures, according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Kyle Brown.
The central Plains storm trekking to the south of the Twin Cities will stir up some unsettled weather in its wake, making for a cloudy and wet day.
“Some rain will approach from the west, then as cold air drops south from Canada, snowflakes will mix with rain Monday night,” said Brown.

As temperatures plummet into the 30s, a complete changeover to snow is anticipated.
While an inch or two of snow could accumulate on non-paved surfaces, roads will only be mainly wet.
Since temperatures are not expected to fall below freezing in Minneapolis during this event, slick spots are unlikely on city streets.
Outside of the urban heat island, however, temperatures could fall to or below freezing, resulting in slick roads for the morning commute on Tuesday.
To the southwest of the Twin Cities, Chicago will experience the springtime side of this dynamic system.

Above-average warmth is expected to stick around into Monday evening in Chicago, though the pleasant weather will be compromised by another round of thunderstorms.
Strong thunderstorms will track through the Chicago area,” said Brown.
Any storms could bring torrential downpours and produce potentially damaging hail and wind gusts.
"A couple of the strongest storms could also produce a tornado," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Bernie Rayno.
Those out-and-about during this afternoon and evening should stay up to date on local warnings and seek shelter in a sturdy building should threatening weather approach.
This disruptive weather is expected to continue through the evening, interfering with outdoor events throughout the Chicago area.
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“Fans gearing up for opening night at Wrigley Field will want to keep an eye on the sky and keep their rain gear handy,” said Brown.
“At this time, it looks like most of the rain and thunderstorms will move through prior and near the start of the game, impacting pregame ceremonies and perhaps first pitch.”
Dry and cooler weather will return for Tuesday and persist through the middle of the week.
As the storms push toward the eastern Great Lakes and the Ohio Valley, they will trend less-intense, but can bring localized downpours and gusty winds on Tuesday.