Slight Risk of Severe Thunderstorms Today

Temperatures are already quite warm this morning with readings pushing into the 80s as of 8am. An outflow boundary from earlier thunderstorm activity in Iowa is progressing into the local area providing a few scattered showers and thunderstorms on Doppler radar. A more expansive complex of showers and storms associated with a cold front is located in western Iowa and this is likely the complex that will be moving into the area by early this afternoon providing a good opportunity for some much needed rainfall and a few stronger storms.

Most of the forecast models agree on a heavier complex of showers and storms moving in just after the noon hour. A few of these storms could be severe with large hail and damaging winds. Heavy rainfall will also be likely with the stronger storms.

Depending on when the storms arrive we will likely sneak high temperatures back into the lower 90s this afternoon with plenty of humidity to go along with it.

The Storm Prediction Center is still holding onto a slight risk for severe storms across the entire area. Primary threats will be damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 MPH and large hail. The tornadic threat today is low as wind fields are not conductive to this type of activity, however with leftover boundaries in the area one can’t be ruled out.

Once the front moves through later this evening we’ll notice a difference in the humidity levels with Thursday continuing to be hot, but less humid. More chances for showers and thunderstorms arrive on Friday afternoon and again Saturday. A few of these could be on the stronger side.

We’ll continue to monitor the situation regarding this afternoon’s severe weather potential and provide further updates if necessary.