The Stage Is Set For Severe October Thunderstorms In North Dakota

Severe thunderstorms in October?

I'm a born and raised North Dakotan, and I can't recall a severe weather outbreak in October. Even a typical run-of-the-mill thunderstorm is not very common. No, most of the extreme weather we receive in October tends to be of the frozen variety.

We have seen plenty of October snowstorms over the years. The most recent was back in October of 2019, when parts of the state received up to 38 inches of snow on the famous "pheasant opener" snowstorm. Bismarck checked in with nearly two feet of snow that year.

Could we be looking at a severe weather outbreak this weekend in North Dakota?

According to the Storm Prediction Center and the National Weather Service, parts of North Dakota are in a "marginal" risk for severe weather on this coming Saturday, October 4th. The impacted areas include parts of south-central, southeast, and the northeast portions of the state. Here's a look at the latest map from NOAA's National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center.

It appears that the Bismarck-Mandan Capital Region will be just on the outskirts of the severe weather. Thunderstorms are certainly possible, but we are not expected to see severe thunderstorms at this time. We're still a few days out, so things could certainly shift.

(SEE ALSO: The 15 Most Isolated North Dakota Towns)

What are the impacts of this potential round of severe weather?

Strong thunderstorms may impact this corridor, accompanied by at least some risk for severe wind and damaging hail (no mention of twisters).

Again, things could certainly change over the next 24 hours, and we will continue to keep you up to date right here, and on-air with our meteorologists with the Severe Weather Studios.