Risk of Storms for the Central U.S. Will Precede Cool Front

Parts of the central U.S. will continue to be under the threat of severe weather through the middle of the week. Here is a look at this potentially rocky forecast for the days ahead.

Midwest and Great Plains to See Isolated Storm Activity

The same weather maker that led to the first snow of the season for some of the higher elevations of the West and flash flooding for the lower terrains is forecast to push to the northeast in the coming days. As this system journeys in this direction, it will create the risk of gusty thunderstorms for the Midwest and the Great Plains.

This system initially impacted Colorado and New Mexico this weekend, sending massive flooding into Roswell, New Mexico. This flooding resulted in the deaths of two people as well as water rescues of hundreds of trapped individuals.

According to the New Mexico State Police, at least 290 people were rescued from the raging floodwaters. Of this number, 38 were taken to area hospitals for medical treatment. The city of Roswell recorded 5.78 inches of rain on Saturday, good for a new record for any date in history for this area. The previous record was 5.65 inches, dating back to 1901.

The storms then erupted on Monday in a zone from northwestern Texas, up through parts of Oklahoma and central Kansas, and into western and central Nebraska. This track put cities such as Wichita, Kansas in the bullseye of the impacts.

These storm cells are not packing a great deal of moisture. This will limit the amount of rain that falls as a result of the storms, However, the cells are still capable of generating high winds, hail, and times of heavy rain. Forecasters are also warning that you cannot discount the chance of isolated tornadic activity.

The storm is predicted to weaken as it moves to the north on Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing down the chance of severe weather. But there is still the possibility of gusty storms popping up from time to time.

Tuesday's Forecast Calls for Storms in the Midwest

The greatest threat of thunderstorms on Tuesday afternoon and evening will be in an area stretching from Missouri and Illinois and to the north into Minnesota and Wisconsin. While the risk will not be widespread, metro areas such as St. Louis could see the chance of rain with breezy conditions.

Wednesday will bring the threat of storms to the east and into the Great Lakes. For instance, both Detroit and Buffalo should prepare for the chance of rain or an isolated storm at times. The greatest chance of moisture will be during the latter part of the day.

Winds will continue to be an issue as the system chugs along to the northeast. The prevailing dry conditions will pair with the high winds and lightning strikes to increase the risk of wildfires. Residents should take care when operating power equipment or working with open flames.

Warm Temperatures to Come to a Sudden End

The line of rain showers and storms will erupt along the leading edge of a powerful cool front. The arrival of this cool front will bring an end to the unseasonably warm temperatures that have been anchored over the North Central U.S. and beyond in recent days.

You can expect the temperatures to tumble about 20 to 30 degrees from Monday to Wednesday. Readings in the 70s and 80s will fall into the 40s, 50s, and 60s in a zone from the Dakotas and into Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois.