SD, NE, MN Face Severe Storm Threat Next Week

It seems like the greatest concentration of severe storms has been more to the south so far in 2025. Early next week that area of focus will shift to the north at least for a few days. The northern plains will see chances for some severe storms as a mid-level ridge starts to move off to the east which means South Dakota, parts of Nebraska and southern Minnesota will be in the potential danger zone.

On Monday, plenty of moisture will be in place in the central to northern plains and across the northern edge of the unstable air, storms will be expected to form as convection begins with increased instability and deep-layer shear will allow for severe storms to develop in South Dakota, Minnesota and surrounding areas. Large hail and severe wind gusts will be the greatest threats, according to the Storm Prediction Center convective outlook.

Tuesday, moderate to strong instability is expected as a trough moves closer from the west and a moist airmass will still be in place over Nebraska. A large area of thunderstorms is expected for parts of northern Kansas and most of Nebraska. Large hail and wind damage threats will be likely in these areas.

NOAA's Weather Prediction Center also shows these areas with a risk of heavy rain over the first part of next week, as stormy conditions move through the region during the first part of next week.

The exact locations that will be affected are likely to be determined as the finer details of the forecast become clear.  Make sure to have multiple ways to get weather alerts and be aware of storm chances. It's best to prepare for storm chances ahead of time and then hope that they don't happen.