Powerful t-storms had unleashed ten twisters in Iowa and Minnesota by late Wednesday. Three of the ten were in Minnesota, where debris was reported by two law enforcement officials on Highway 29 near Benson in the west-central section of the state. Farther south, a tornado was on the ground at least 10 minutes in western Iowa near Fort Dodge.
A large spring storm is encouraging winds to converge over the Chicago Thursday. The resulting pile-up or convergence of air helps brew especially well developed t-storms when—as is occurring Thursday—powerful jet stream winds blow cold air into the area aloft, encouraging air to rise with vigor. Parts of the area run the potential for severe t-storms in this environment.
Blistering early season heat is to bake the Southwest. Heat watches have been hoisted in Phoenix and the adjacent desert communities as 110° afternoon temps take hold later this week.
-Tom Skilling
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
