Friday will be our first chance of rain in about two weeks. A split weekend forecast with sunshine returning Saturday with highs in the mid 80s. Expect overcast conditions Sunday with a good chance of showers and thunderstorms. Expect an active pattern to kick into gear, delivering several chances of showers in the week ahead.

MINNEAPOLIS — Thursday is a NEXT Weather Alert day due to the potential for severe storms. After fast-moving overnight storms in the Twin Cities, a cold front is triggering a second round between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Rain is likely in much of Iowa on Thursday, the National Weather Service said. Check the radar and forecast before you head out.

This will cause the needed destabilization of our atmosphere as a cold front approaches which will lead to the severe weather threat returning in the later afternoon and evening timeframe. Closings | Interactive Radar | Weather Alerts Some of these storms will be able to generate large hail and strong gusty winds.