Potential for Stormy Start to July
A series of severe thunderstorms is predicted to move through the region during July 3-5, 2026, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The atmospheric conditions supporting these storms are highly unpredictable, meaning timing, location, and total precipitation predictions remain dynamic.
The NWS reports any storms that form will be capable of producing damaging winds and heavy rain, and is currently predicting over 1 inch of precipitation in the watershed between Friday, July 3, and Sunday, July 5. If the watershed receives the forecasted rainfall, Lake Minnetonka is expected to rise and may reach its Ordinary High Water Level (OHWL) of 929.4 feet, and Minnehaha Creek flow at Hiawatha Avenue may reach or exceed 200 cubic feet per second (cfs) before subsiding.
also in this update
- End-of-June Storms Alleviated Dry Conditions
- 2026 Precipitation Trends and Forecasts
- Abnormally Dry Conditions Persisted Through June
- Current Water Levels
- Gray’s Bay Dam Operations
- Water Level Resources