Scattered severe thunderstorms are poised to make their return to parts of the Midwest as a new disturbance approaches from the Northwest, bringing with it the potential for intense weather conditions. After a brief respite from severe storms, a pair of severe weather days is anticipated in the region.

On Wednesday, the initial round of severe storms is expected to develop in the Upper Midwest during the afternoon. Some of these storms have the potential to become supercells, characterized by large hail exceeding 3 inches in diameter, damaging wind gusts of up to 65 mph, and a few tornadoes.

The threat of thunderstorms will persist throughout Wednesday and Thursday across the Midwest, as a strong cold front moves across the area. By early evening, low-level wind shear is predicted to intensify, increasing the likelihood of tornadoes across northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. Areas at risk include Duluth, Hibbing, Brainerd, and Cloquet in Minnesota, as well as Superior, Wisconsin.

According to FOX Weather Meteorologist Kendall Smith, the Level 3 out of 5 threat for severe storms is centered over northern Minnesota, impacting more than half a million people. This includes cities such as Duluth, Hibbing, Brainerd, Cloquet, and Superior.

Wednesday's storm activity will be scattered, with the most severe storms capable of producing hail up to 3 inches in diameter, damaging wind gusts up to 65 mph, and a few tornadoes. As the storms progress eastward into the western Great Lakes region, the severe weather threat will continue into the mid- to late evening.

Severe storms are expected to ramp up again on Thursday, stretching from the central Plains to the Great Lakes, as the cold front sweeps through the region. Cities like Chicago and Kansas City will face the greatest threat. The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 2 out of 5 on the severe storm risk scale, affecting nearly 16 million people in major cities including Aurora, Illinois, and Overland Park, Kansas.

The coverage of severe storms on Thursday is predicted to be more widespread, with a focus on strong, damaging winds. A line of storms is forecasted to develop directly along the cold front, posing a significant threat to cities like Chicago and Kansas City. While supercells with large hail are possible, the main concern will be clusters of storms and their associated damaging wind gusts. Nevertheless, the possibility of a tornado or two cannot be ruled out.

As severe thunderstorms loom over the Midwest, residents are advised to stay updated on weather alerts and heed any warnings or precautions issued by local authorities.