Severe weather could include damaging hail, tornadoes in Minnesota Wednesday evening

As the first round of storms wanes in Minnesota on Wednesday, another stronger system is expected to hit the state in the evening. 

Some sunshine should develop in the afternoon, with temperatures hitting the mid-80s but feeling around 90 degrees, before storms develop. 

A second round of storms is expected between roughly 4 p.m. and 1 a.m., with the greatest threat likely during the evening hours. Because of the potential for severe weather, WCCO issued a NEXT Weather Alert beginning at noon and continuing through the evening.

Parts of southern and southeastern Minnesota face the highest risk for severe weather. Storms could produce tornadoes — potentially as strong as EF2 — along with damaging winds exceeding 70 mph, hail as large as baseballs and localized flash flooding. Flooding was already reported on Wednesday morning in parts of Winona County.

More severe storms are expected on Thursday and Friday. Saturday will see scattered chances of thunderstorms, but Sunday looks dry.

Heat and humidity will continue into next week.  

Severe weather tests canceled due to storm risk 

The National Weather Service announced that the routine weekly radio test will not happen at 1 p.m. due to the severe storm risk. It'll resume next Wednesday. 

Hennepin County also canceled its monthly outdoor warning siren test.

"If you hear sirens today, assume it is a real alert and seek shelter immediately," Minneapolis officials announced.