Strong storms possible Wednesday afternoon – Chris

Strong storms possible Wednesday afternoon – Chris By KSTP Good Tuesday evening!We’re staying mostly cloudy and seasonably mild tonight, but attention is quickly turning to Wednesday.Wednesday will be warm for late October, with highs climbing into the upper 60s. That warmth will help fuel thunderstorms developing during the afternoon and evening, with rain chances around 70%.A strong or severe storm or two is possible, so if you have Wednesday afternoon or evening plans, keep the forecast close. The timing could overlap with the evening commute, after-school activities, practices, and other outdoor events.Not everyone will see severe weather, but any stronger storm could bring gusty winds, hail, heavy rain, and frequent lightning.Behind that system, Thursday turns much quieter and cooler, with partly cloudy skies and highs near 60 degrees.Friday stays mainly dry, then low-end shower chances return Saturday and Sunday. A wetter pattern may develop again Monday into Tuesday.So the main message is simple: Wednesday afternoon and evening are the time to watch most closely for thunderstorms, including the possibility of a strong or severe storm.Enjoy the evening, and take care!– Meteorologist Chris Reece