A warm front lifted across the Northland during the early morning hours of the 20th bringing an unusually warm and moist airmass to the region creating very unstable conditions by the afternoon hours. During the late evening hours, a very strong low level jet ramped up and led to the development of storms across central Minnesota that moved to the northeast.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS DLH wrote it up.
A warm front lifted across the Northland during the early morning hours of the 20th bringing an unusually warm and moist airmass to the region creating very unstable conditions by the afternoon hours. During the late evening hours, a very strong low level jet ramped up and led to the development of storms across central Minnesota that moved to the northeast. Additional storms developed on the backside of the initial wave with the severe storm potential tapering off just before midnight. The storms primarily produced tree damage as they worked across the region, but there was some marginally severe hail as well.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Duluth, MN wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jun 20, 5:29 PM CST, 22 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Duluth MN
629 PM CDT Mon Jun 20 2022
.DISCUSSION...(This evening through Sunday)
Issued at 406 PM CDT Mon Jun 20 2022
Summary: Hot and humid conditions continue tonight. Strong to
severe thunderstorms are expected over central and north-central
Minnesota tonight and may affect the remainder of the Northland
before sunrise Tuesday morning. Temperatures trend cooler
starting Tuesday with periodic shower and storm chances later
this week into the weekend.
A high-amplitude ridge axis stretched from northwest Ontario into
southeast Missouri this afternoon. At the surface, an area of low
pressure was centered over northwest Ontario with a cold front
extending southwest to a secondary low near Aberdeen, SD to a
third low center near Sidney, NE. Thunderstorms have developed
along and either side of the boundary in the past few hours as
far south as northwest Kansas. Meanwhile elevated convection has
begun to percolate over north-central Minnesota in a zone of 800-
700 mb convergence ahead of a northward moving shortwave trough.
The trough axis was roughly from near Fargo to northern Iowa and
was visualized well in the GOES-East Band 8 upper-level water
vapor imagery. The elevated showers should slowly migrate
northward through 21.01Z. I don't expect those showers to pose
much risk of severe weather. The 20Z SPC RAP analysis shows 2000-
3500 J/kg of MLCAPE with almost no MLCIN remaining. However, even
with the mid-level height falls, there appears to be insufficient
convergence and forcing for ascent to support surface-based
convection east of the cold front at this point. Effective bulk
shear is maximized to the west of the front and marginal over
central and north-central Minnesota this afternoon.
Look for showers and thunderstorms to become more numerous near
the cold front and eventually grow upscale into one or more
MCSes. South-southwesterly steering flow oriented parallel to
the front will support this upscale growth and a general storm
motion to the north-northeast. These MCSes will bring a
potential for damaging wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph. The effective
shear will increase later tonight as the front pushes eastward
and a south-southwesterly low-level jet develops. If a few storms
develop ahead of the main lines, they may produce large hail,
perhaps as large as golf balls. SPC upgraded portions of central
and north-central Minnesota to an "Enhanced" Risk of severe
storms, mainly focused on that damaging wind risk tonight and
early Tuesday morning.
The uncomfortable heat indices will continue into this evening
for the Northland, and perhaps overnight in northwest Wisconsin.
Did not make changes to the expiration time of the Heat Advisory
this afternoon and will let the evening shift trim it as
temperatures cool tonight. The cold front will progress slowly
eastward overnight and will likely be over the Arrowhead to
central Minnesota to northwest Iowa by 12Z Tuesday and will move
through northwest Wisconsin during the afternoon. A few storms
may linger through the night and into Tuesday morning, weakening
as they move out of the Northland by late morning. Heat and
humidity will be a concern for portions of northwest Wisconsin
Tuesday with high temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s and
heat indices in the middle 90s. If showers end earlier and skies
remain clear over those areas, dangerous heat will be possible
ahead of the front on Tuesday. Elsewhere on Tuesday temperatures
will trend cooler with less humidity. Continued cooler on
Wednesday with highs in the 70s and low 80s.
A progressive upper-level pattern is expected for the remainder
of the week into the weekend. There will be additional chances of
showers and thunderstorms for at least portions of the Northland
each day Thursday through next Monday.
&&
.AVIATION...(For the 00Z TAFS through 00Z Tuesday evening)
Issued at 628 PM CDT Mon Jun 20 2022
Storms are developing over the Red River Valley and advancing east
northeast. These storms have the potential to produce damaging winds
and severe hail. As the storms move east they are expected to weaken
over time. A low level jet is expected to ramp up this evening and
may impact BRD/HYR. After the storms pass gusty winds out of the
west will ramp up in the morning hours. Additionally, there are some
hints of some MVFR ceilings filtering in over INL tomorrow morning.
&&
.MARINE...
Issued at 406 PM CDT Mon Jun 20 2022
Southwesterly winds will continue tonight at around 5 to 15 kt,
strongest along the immediate shorelines particularly near the
Twin Ports. Winds will remain southwest through Tuesday with some
stronger gusts up to around 25 kt possible especially near the
Twin Ports and the Apostle Islands, which may be hazardous for
small craft. Wind speeds will lessen a bit Tuesday night. Areas of
fog may be possible at times, especially tonight, along with
chances for showers and thunderstorms tonight.
&&
.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
DLH 71 85 58 77 / 40 10 0 0
INL 66 81 53 74 / 60 30 30 0
BRD 71 85 58 81 / 40 0 0 0
HYR 73 90 58 79 / 30 20 0 0
ASX 72 91 60 78 / 30 20 0 0
&&
.DLH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WI...Heat Advisory until 1 AM CDT Tuesday for WIZ001>004-006>009.
MN...Heat Advisory until 1 AM CDT Tuesday for MNZ010>012-018-019-025-
026-033>038.
LS...None.
&&
DISCUSSION...Huyck
AVIATION...Britt
MARINE...HuyckHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Duluth MN 1255 PM CDT Mon Jun 20 2022 MNZ010>012-018>021-025-026-033>038-WIZ001>004-006>009-211800- Koochiching-North St. Louis-Northern Cook/Northern Lake- North Itasca-Central St. Louis-Southern Lake/North Shore- Southern Cook/North Shore-North Cass-South Itasca-South Cass- Crow Wing-Northern Aitkin-South Aitkin-Carlton/South St. Louis- Pine-Douglas-Bayfield-Ashland-Iron-Burnett-Washburn-Sawyer-Price- 1255 PM CDT Mon Jun 20 2022 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and Tonight Oppressively hot and muggy conditions are expected today with high temperatures in the upper 80s and 90s, dew points in the mid to upper 60s, and heat indices around 95 to 105 degrees for most of the region. A Heat Advisory has been issued for all areas except for the North Shore. Scattered thunderstorms are possible late this afternoon through early Tuesday morning. Storms may become strong to severe, especially across Koochiching, Itasca, Cass, Crow Wing, Aitkin, Carlton, St. Louis and northwestern Lake counties. The main threats are damaging winds in excess of 70 mph and large hail up to golf ball size. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday Additional chances for thunderstorms are possible late this week into next weekend. Storms are not currently expected to be strong or severe. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Skywarn spotters may be needed this evening and tonight. LSZ121-140>148-150-211800- Bayfield to Oak Point WI-Grand Portage to Grand Marais MN- Grand Marais to Taconite Harbor MN- Taconite Harbor to Silver Bay Harbor MN- Silver Bay Harbor to Two Harbors MN-Two Harbors to Duluth MN- Duluth MN to Port Wing WI-Port Wing to Sand Island WI- Sand Island to Bayfield WI-Oak Point to Saxon Harbor WI- Outer Apostle Islands Beyond 5 NM from Mainland- 1255 PM CDT Mon Jun 20 2022 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of Lake Superior and the Nearshore waters of western Lake Superior. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and Tonight There is a chance of thunderstorms this evening and overnight. A few storms may become strong to severe, producing damaging winds and large hail. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday Breezy west to southwesterly winds are possible Tuesday afternoon which may create conditions hazardous for small craft. There is a chance of thunderstorms Thursday afternoon into next weekend. Storms are not currently expected to be strong or severe. BJH More information may be obtained at the following web address: http://www.weather.gov/duluth (all lower case)
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Duluth MN 608 PM CDT Mon Jun 20 2022 MNZ011-012-210900- North St. Louis-Northern Cook and Lake- Including the cities of Ely and Isabella 608 PM CDT Mon Jun 20 2022 ...STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT THE BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA WILDERNESS TONIGHT... Strong to severe thunderstorms will affect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness tonight. The storms will be capable of erratic and gusty winds of 50 to 70 mph, hail up to half-dollar size, frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, and locally heavy rainfall, which may lead to localized flooding of creeks, streams, and low- lying areas. Campers should take extra precautions in order to secure campsites and make a plan in case of severe weather. Check campsites for possible hazards, including standing dead trees or limbs, as well as low spots where water can pool. Move tents away from creeks and rivers in case of flash flooding. Prepare to protect yourself from large hail using sleeping bags or other padded items. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio for updates and possible warnings. Britt
The Duluth radar (KDLH), 236 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 23:49 UTC.
59 thunderstorm wind, 1 hail. Local standard time, as filed.
An eighteen inch diameter poplar tree was blown over and blocking a road. There were also several other poplar trees with tops blown off that measured six to eight inches in diameter.
Numerous oak trees measured at ten inches in diameter were broken and blocking a driveway.
Several large pine trees were blown over.
Widespread trees and tree branches were snapped and covering a road.
Roof damage was reported due to a large attached sign being ripped from the building.
Seven inch diameter tree branches were broken and shingles were ripped off a house in the storm.
Multiple trees broken as well as signs blown off buildings.
Tree snapped in half with several other trees knocked down as well.
An oak tree of about six inches in diameter was snapped about twenty feet above ground level.
A large section of roof was ripped off with shingles on the ground.
Several trees were downed at the reporter's location.
Multiple medium to large trees were downed across a campground.
A medium sized tree was downed on top of a car with several more trees down in neighboring lawns.
An eighteen inch diameter tree blocked the road with a power pole snapped as well.
A medium sized aspen tree was blown over.
A personal weather station recorded a wind gust of 64 mph before being knocked offline.
Multiple trees were down along a road ranging from twelve to eighteen inches in diameter.
Multiple medium to large trees were snapped and uprooted.
A willow tree with an estimated diameter of three feet was split and broken.
Several trees were uprooted.
A large pine tree was snapped at the base and landed on the bed of a truck.
Tree branches estimated to be four inch diameter were knocked down.
A tree was knocked over and was blocking a street.
A tree was knocked over and was laying on a structure.
An eight inch diameter pine tree was snapped about five feet above the ground level.
Multiple branches were broken along with a power outage.
Six trees were knocked down ranging from twelve to eighteen inches in diameter.
Numerous trees were downed in the area.
Ten mid-sized pine and spruce were downed partially across a county road.
Multiple trees were snapped at the spotter's location.
Some structural damage was reported due to large pine trees snapping and hitting buildings.
Four trees were blown over.
Numerous poplar tree tops were snapped.
An 80 foot spruce tree was uprooted.
Numerous medium to large trees were snapped and uprooted over roadways and alleyways.
The top of a large pine tree was snapped.
A large tree was snapped at the reporter's location.
An 80 foot pine tree was blown down with several more trees downed in the area as well.
Two dozen trees were snapped in half and uprooted in the area. A pontoon was also flipped upside down in the water.
Several trees were damaged, split, or uprooted at the reporter's location.
Four Norway pines were downed with one of them completely uprooted.
Several medium to large pine trees were snapped.
Several docks and boats were flipped on top of each other. Wooden and metal roofs were also taken off of covered boat launches and wrapped into the trees.
Multiple large white pine trees were snapped.
Several large trees were downed as well as power lines.
Parts of a metal building were ripped off and strewn over semi trucks.
Numerous trees were reported downed.
Large trees were downed in the area.
Multiple trees were snapped and were covering roads and a house.
Numerous trees were downed with several measuring 18 inches in diameter.
A large pine tree was uprooted and laying over a garage.
Numerous trees were downed in the area.
Several large trees were downed.
Two very large pine trees were completely uprooted.
Numerous trees were downed ranging from six to ten inches in diameter.
Multiple trees were down and blocking a highway.
A very large tree was snapped approximately eight feet above the base.
Young maple trees were snapped in half.
Many large pine trees were down with several broken halfway up.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Minnesota in 2022Every state in 2022This day in weather historyWarnings in Minnesota, June 2022
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1035309, 1035310, 1035311, 1035312, 1035313, 1041061, 1035314, 1035315, 1035316, 1035317, 1035318, 1035320, 1035328, 1035330, 1035331, 1035335, 1035336, 1035338, 1035339, 1035340, 1035341, 1035342, 1035343, 1035344, 1035345, 1035346, 1035347, 1035348, 1035349, 1035350, 1035352, 1035308, 1035354, 1035355, 1035356, 1035357, 1035358, 1035359, 1035360, 1035364, and more.