The end of July will go out with a bang as multiple rounds of severe weather target the northern Plains and Upper Mississippi Valley.

An upper-level weather system and associated cold front will drop south into the north-central U.S. today. Very warm, humid air will be in place ahead of the front, while cooler and drier air attempts to stream in behind it. This collision of air masses will cause thunderstorms to bubble up in the northern Plains and Upper Mississippi Valley this afternoon and evening. As they move south and east, these storms will likely strengthen, quickly turning strong to severe.

The government’s Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk for severe weather today. This covers most of Minnesota into northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, including Minneapolis and Duluth, Minn. The main concern within thunderstorms here would be damaging winds exceeding 60 mph, large hail and torrential downpours. However, an isolated tornado or two cannot be ruled out.

However, anyone in the northern Plains and Upper Mississippi Valley should keep a close eye on rapidly changing weather. Gusty winds and small hail could still be a possibility for places like Glasgow, Mont., Minot and Grand Forks, N.D., Des Moines, Iowa, La Crosse and Green Bay, Wis., and Marquette, Mich.

The same cold front will inch south and east across the north-central U.S. on Monday. This will keep the threat of severe weather in the northern Plains and Upper Mississippi Valley.

Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they become issued. A watch means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur and to be on alert for any rapidly changing conditions. A warning means that severe weather is imminent, and you should act fast to remain safe.

The best way to remain safe is to stay prepared and informed about your local weather. Have a severe weather kit packed with a battery-operated radio, water and non-perishable food items should you be without power for long periods of time. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today’s severe weather. Remember, “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”