NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) – Scattered thunderstorms are possible this afternoon into Monday, but the threat of severe weather remains low. Smoke from distant wildfires will continue into Monday and possibly longer, with scattered smoke near the surface expected, especially in north-central North Dakota.
By Monday, highs will be mainly in the 80s, but temperatures will rise into the 90s and into the low 100s by mid-to-late week.
This afternoon we have high pressure over Ontario and a weak low pressure system over central and western North Dakota. Northerly air aloft brought some short waves, causing isolated thunderstorms in the southern James Valley and southwestern North Dakota. These storms may produce small hail and gusty winds, but are not expected to be severe. Weak funneling is also possible in the southern James River Valley.
Northerly airflow also brings large swaths of wildfire smoke into the region, with some near-surface smoke primarily in northern North Dakota. We may see reduced visibility, especially in foggy conditions.
Rain is possible across the north-central and eastern regions early Monday morning and will continue throughout the day as a backdoor cold front moves in from the Canadian Prairie. There is a slightly higher chance of stronger storms, especially in the north-central part of the state, with storm intensity again reaching highs in the 80s.
The main concern this week is that high temperatures will return as the upper ridge moves eastward. Temperatures will peak in the middle to late week, with temperatures in the upper 90s to around 100s in western North Dakota on Thursday and low 90s in the James Valley on Friday.
We will see more precipitation chances this weekend as the upper trough moves eastward and flattens the ridges. There is a small but widespread chance of severe weather starting Friday and continuing into the weekend. Temperatures will cool off late into the weekend into next week, with highs often returning to the mid-80s.
