The Bismarck Mandan region was hit by a severe storm early this morning around 12:35 a.m. Winds of 70 miles per hour, penny-sized hail and heavy rain for parts of the city. This all came after a brutally hot and windy weekend in Bismarck. Temperatures flirted with 100 degrees on Saturday and Sunday with strong southeast winds. A severe thunderstorm watch was issued around 7 p.m. Sunday evening.

Rainfall totals varied throughout the region ranging from 2 1/2 inches west of St. Anthony, 1 1/2 in Mandan, 1 1/4 in Bismarck, and lesser amounts southeast of the city towards Lincoln where 3/10 inch of rain was reported.

Some power outages were reported in the area and 70 mph winds downed tree limbs and some trees.

Another round of severe thunderstorms is possible this afternoon and evening. This time around, storms are expected to start earlier in the Bismarck Mandan area. According to the National Weather Service, these thunderstorms are expected to start around 2 p.m. this afternoon and continue into the evening. The Storm Prediction Center says the biggest threat will be 70-mile-per-hour winds and hail up to the size of a ping-pong. You can expect a severe thunderstorm watch to be issued later today for much of North Dakota.

Tornadoes should not be associated with these storms. Following these thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, much cooler weather is expected Tuesday at Bismarck Mandan with highs in the 70s and strong westerly winds. The mid 80s for Wednesday before the return of the 90s for Thursday and Friday. The chances of thunderstorms return Friday and Friday evening.

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