Bomb Cyclone Could Be Heading For Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota

A significant spring storm system, known as a "Bomb Cyclone," is expected to move through portions of Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota from Friday through Saturday night.

We've seen record or near-record-high temperatures across parts of Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota this week. 

This weekend a strong low-pressure system is forecast to race across the midwest creating a recipe for a Bomb Cyclone. 

What is a Bomb Cyclone?

Meteorologists use the term "bombogenesis" to describe a storm that rapidly intensifies over a 24-hour period.

Specifically, when a storm's barometric pressure drops by at least 24 millibars (0.71 inches of mercury) within 24 hours, it qualifies as a bomb cyclone.

For instance, if a storm system begins with a pressure of 29.98 inches and drops to 29.27 inches within a day, it has undergone bombogenesis.

Expected Impacts:

According to the National Weather Service In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, this approaching system could bring multiple forms of severe weather, including:

• Thunderstorms
• Snow
• Ice
• Strong winds

Important Notice!

While the storm is expected to affect the region, specific details about precipitation types, timing, and amounts remain uncertain at this time.

Residents and travelers in the northern Plains and Midwest should monitor weather forecasts closely and be prepared to adjust travel plans as the situation develops.