Thursday Evening Storm Threat

11:25pm Update: Heavy rainfall is becoming more likely over northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin.  There have been a few stronger thunderstorms over northeast Iowa, but those have since fallen below severe limits.  Thunderstorms are expected to move in closer between midnight and 2am. 






10:00pm Update: Showers and thunderstorms are beginning to increase in coverage late Thursday evening.  The overall severe threat will remain low, however, an isolated strong wind gust can't be ruled out.  Of greater threat may be the heavy rain potential.  Moisture values in the atmosphere are over one inch.  This means thunderstorms will be very efficient at producing heavy rainfall.  Individual thunderstorms west over Iowa have had a hail and wind threat associated with them, but as they move that will shift to heavy rainfall.



An isolated thunderstorm or two is possible through sunset, but the majority of the evening will remain dry.  A cold front draped over Wisconsin will begin to sink south Thursday night and early Friday morning, not completely passing northern Illinois until after sunrise Friday.

Non-severe showers and thunderstorms have been developing along and ahead of the front in Wisconsin Thursday afternoon.  As the front sinks south, our storm threat will gradually increase roughly after 9pm/10pm this evening.  Heavy rainfall and gusty winds remain the primary threats, but a hail threat will persist initially with storms that develop to the north.

Cold front passes by Friday morning, ending the chance for rain.  It'll still feel muggy during the morning, but drier air arrives after 10am and should make Friday afternoon and evening feel much more comfortable.