Large Hail Forecast for the Central Plains Late Wednesday and Into Thursday

Other states that should be prepared for the development of storms include Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia.

The storm cells will usher in the typical threats, including straight-line wind gusts, hail of various sizes, flash flooding, frequent lightning strikes, and the chance of tornadoes.

The highest risk of severe impacts will center over eastern Michigan and to the south through Ohio, into the northeastern corner of Indiana, and across to western Pennsylvania.

In addition to disruptions on the roadways, travelers should anticipate airline delays due to ground stops as the storms pass over some of the nation's busiest airport hubs.

The storm system is forecast to move at a fast clip, limiting the amount of moisture that falls. However, the wet ground and high water levels in waterways throughout the region at the hands of previous rainmakers could heighten the risk of flash flooding.

Specific City Forecasts

What cities should expect to see the severe weather develop? Detroit is under a severe thunderstorm watch through 7 pm Wednesday with forecasters predicting "likely storms."

Winds will be out of the south-southwest at 10 to 20 mph while highs are predicted to hover in the low 70s. Overnight lows will come in at about 50 degrees.

The risk of severe weather will be less to the south in Cincinnati, however, the city is not completely out of the woods. An isolated storm could erupt during the afternoon hours as the mercury inches up into the upper 70s.

It will be particularly windy with winds out of the southwest at 20 to 30 mph.

The most impactful weather threat in Lexington, Kentucky will be the high winds.

Frequent wind gusts clocking in at 25 to 30 mph across the south-central portions of the state with winds of 30 to 35 mph likely in the north-central part of the Bluegrass State.

Gusts that top 35 mph could whip around during the peak afternoon heating hours. Lexington will see a high of about 77 degrees pairing with lows of about 52 degrees.

The chance of storms will increase during the evening hours in places to the east, including Pittsburgh. The Steel City is forecast to see highs in the upper 70s under mostly cloudy skies.

The potential for severe storms will be the highest around sunset.

Hail in the Overnight Hours a Concern for Kansas and Missouri

Although it will be a largely calm day for most of Kansas and Missouri, the atmosphere will pull in more energy overnight and lay the groundwork for the generation of potentially large hail.

For instance, Kansas City will see highs climb over the 80-degree mark on Wednesday under sunny skies. This heat will work to fuel the storms as the energy circulates over the region.

As a result, forecasters are warning those in Kansas City to be ready for a large hail event in the overnight hours and into early Thursday. Hailstones are expected to range in size from a small pea to a marble.

In isolated situations, the hail could hit the ground as the size of baseballs or larger.

Lows will land at about 57 degrees in Kansas City with heavy rain also being on the table. You will want to enable all smartphone weather alerts if you live in this part of the central Plains.

The threat of hail will not be limited to the Kansas City metro area. The rest of northeastern Kansas and into southwestern Nebraska and northwestern Missouri will also be targeted by this severe weather.

Be sure to park vehicles in garages if possible.

By Thursday, the threat of volatile weather will move to the east and the south. The usual suspects will be present, including strong winds and large hail. Thursday's worst weather will train over the south-central U.S. and into the lower Mississippi River Valley.