Looking back on previous August severe storms as severe chances loom

 

On this day 6 years ago one of the most infamous weather days in recent weather history occurred as a large complex of severe thunderstorms impacted much of the Corn Belt region. This day is remembered by many across the Midwest and even here in the state line as this complex brought winds over 100 mph and multiple tornadoes to the region. This of course caused heavy damaged to many buildings, farmsteads, and even cornfields as entire fields of crop were destroyed in many locations. This ultimately led to this complex being classified as the most expensive thunderstorm event on record totaling up to over 11 billion dollars. 

 

In total the 2020 Midwest Derecho caused 910 different reports of damaging wind gusts with some even up to 140 mph! Although damaging winds were the main headline, this complex was quite successful
at producing tornadoes as well with nearly 30 being reported as well! The craziest thing is, exactly one year later a very similar wind event occurred in the same region, thankfully nowhere near as strong. 

  

Derecho’s specifically MCS’ are quite common around the Corn Belt and Lower Great Lakes in the summertime. This is due to a common pattern in the summertime known as “Northwest Flow” which often sends many weaker disturbances our way. Those weak disturbances are usually our “spark” for showers and storms to occur, all we need in the summer is the instability.

Over the next few days, severe thunderstorm chances will stick around thanks to this Northwest Flow pattern or “Ring of Fire” with an active jet stream. Damaging winds, large hail, and a few isolated tornadoes can’t be ruled out, changes to areas of higher confidence may shift the next few days as well. 

 

Our jet stream pattern will continue to send weak disturbances while at the surface plenty of instability will be available thanks to a stalled boundary keeping summertime heat/humidity in the region. The heat and humidity will lead to daily instability values favorable for severe storms as well so all we’ll need is a spark to come through. Over the next few days, make sure to have multiple ways to receive watches and warnings!