A potent cold front will continue to slowly push south and eastward today. This front will separate two distinct air masses: a warm and humid air mass to the south and east from a cooler and drier air mass to the north and west. Aided by plenty of upper-air energy, the stage is set for another round of severe thunderstorms today into tonight.
The government’s Storm Prediction Center has issued two areas of Enhanced Risk, or a 3 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, one area stretching from North Central Texas northeastward into Southeast Oklahoma, and the other area south of the MO-IL-IA tri-state point.
A large Slight Risk was issued as well, a 2 out of 5, that extends from southwest Michigan and southern Wiscosin into northeast and central Texas, as well as eastward into portions of western Tennessee, northern Mississippi, and northern Alabama.
Thunderstorms today and tonight will have the capability to produce damaging wind gusts over 60 mph, large hail, and even a few tornadoes. The greatest chance for a tornado or two to occur will be found over Illinois, eastern Iowa, and northeastern Missourri.
Some cities at risk for severe thunderstorms today include Milwaukee, Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Memphis, Tenn., Little Rock, Ark., and Dallas.
As of 12:20 PM CDT, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect across portions of southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, expanding as far east as Chicago as well as covering Peoria, Ill. This watch is valid until 1:00 PM CDT.
A few stronger storms will also be possible today across the rest of the Deep South into the Southeast states, including Nashville, Tenn, Atlanta, and Charlotte, N.C.
Destructive thunderstorms, including an elevated threat for tornadoes, will remain possible this weekend across the central Plains into the Midwest. Already the Storm Prediction Center has issued an Enhanced Risk, or a 3 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, for severe weather in the Plains on Saturday and in the Midwest on Sunday.
Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they become issued. A watch means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur and to be on alert for any rapidly changing conditions. A warning means that severe weather is imminent, and you should act fast to remain safe.
The best way to remain safe is to stay prepared and informed about your local weather. Have a severe weather kit packed with a battery-operated radio, water and non-perishable food items should you be without power for long periods of time. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on tonight’s severe weather. Remember, “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”