The northern edge of the heat dome will light up with storms in the northern Plains and Upper Midwest today.

Fast winds aloft and a quick-moving upper-level disturbance will enter the northern Plains this afternoon, with a large area of storms expected to develop in the Dakotas. These storms should become well-organized as they enter the eastern Dakotas, then they will make their way eastward into Iowa, central and southern Minnesota, and western Wisconsin during the evening and overnight hours.

Strong, damaging winds will be the main concern with these storms, with hail and a few tornadoes also possible. The strongest signal for severe storms resides across much of South Dakota, southern North Dakota, southern Minnesota, and northern Iowa.

In these areas, the Storm Prediction Center has placed Moderate and Enhanced Risks. Given the extreme ingredients in place, a derecho could develop within this region.

There is also a larger Slight Risk in place across the north-central U.S. that extends eastward into western Wisconsin. It also covers much of the western Dakotas, central and eastern Montana, and far northeastern Nebraska.

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!”