Cloud cover will gradually give way to a partly sunny and humid afternoon across the Stateline. Dew point temperatures will be in the upper 60s, giving the air a more noticeably humid feel.
That added moisture could be enough to spark an isolated thunderstorm or two during the peak heating hours of the day. Any storm that does manage to pop-up will be brief and spotty, though could produce gusty winds at times. Overall, today's severe potential remains low, with the Storm Prediction Center placing our area under a level 1 of 5 Marginal Risk. Chances remain isolated for tonight, with overnight lows falling to 70 degrees.
Looking ahead into Wednesday, the setup becomes more concerning for severe weather. A strengthening surface low lifting into Minnesota will drag a strong cold front towards the region, providing a somewhat better focus for storm development by the afternoon and evening. This morning, the Storm Prediction Center kept most of the region under a level 3 of 5 enhanced risk for severe weather.
Tornado potential looks to be greatest north and west of the area, especially across northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota, and southwest Wisconsin - where storms have a higher chance of being discrete. Closer to home in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, the main threats will shift toward damaging winds along with the possibility for a few tornadoes as storms roll in Wednesday evening into Wednesday night. The evolution of today's weather will be important to watch, as it could significantly influence Wednesday's severe threat.
Thursday also could be a significant day across the region as the strong cold front pushes through. Again, what happens the day before will play a huge role into what happens later in the day.
There's been a mention - though confidence remains low for now, of an M.C.S, or a strong line of storms, moving through Thursday morning. That's something we'll be watching closely. However, IF that scenario does not materialize, the atmosphere could become primed for more significant severe weather later in the day, with all hazards on the table, including the potential for strong tornadoes. As always, continue to monitor the forecast, but also take time to review your severe weather plan. Make sure you have multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts and know exactly where you would go if threatening weather develops.
No comments:
Post a Comment