The Minnesota Weather Service continues to issue an initial warning for Thursday evening.

STORMS: As a cold front moves across the state, thunderstorms are expected early in the morning and then again in the afternoon and evening. The afternoon and evening thunderstorms have the greatest chance of becoming severe. There is currently a slight risk (level 2 of 5) for severe storms across most of eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Severe storms will likely develop along and west of I-35 Thursday afternoon and will likely intensify as they move farther east into western Wisconsin. Storms should exit the coverage area around or shortly after sunset.

STORM RISK: The biggest risk factor is hail. Very large hailstones up to 2 inches in diameter are possible in the low risk zone. For comparison, this would be golf ball-sized hail. Damaging winds over 60 mph are also a concern. Isolated tornadoes are also possible.

As always, keep an eye on Minnesota weather services for changing conditions with heat and storm chances heading into the new week.