Tommy's Travel Forecast: Multiday outbreak of severe weather

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A severe weather outbreak is brewing in the Upper Midwest, set to impact millions in the coming few days. There is the potential for intense tornadoes, straight-line damaging winds, and large hail.

On Monday, a level 4/5 moderate risk has been issued for portions of Iowa, Minneapolis, and Wisconsin. Major cities such as Minneapolis are in the 'bullseye' for severe weather.

A positive-tilted, upper-level trough is the textbook setup for widespread severe weather in the Plains and Midwest. This trough will interact with a strong southwesterly flow at the upper levels, producing strong wind shear.

BLOG: Explaining positive versus negative tilted troughs

Additionally, a dry line across the region will spark storm development through the Central Great Plains into North Texas.

LEARN MORE: Understanding the science and power of a supercell

The severe weather threat will continue through mid-week, impacting the Midwest and Northeast.

Beyond the next week, the Climate Prediction Center forecasts a 'wetter than normal' and 'warmer than normal' weather pattern across most of the country to kick off May.