Severe Weather Lurking for the Plains and the Midwest Early Next Week

Forecasters are warning that more severe weather is in the cards for the Plains and the Midwest next week. While the details are still coming together, it is shaping up to be a classic spring weather pattern that will raise the threat of destructive winds, large hail, and tornadic activity. Here is what we know so far.

Threat of Severe Weather Back in the Picture Next Week

The central U.S. will continue to see severe storms firing up in the days ahead. The central and southern Plains will be in the bullseye for the activity to bring the work week to a close. The greatest threats on Friday and Saturday will be hail and high winds. Sunday will be quieter across the region with limited storm activity. That will all change heading into the new week.

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) out of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently issued a warning that severe weather is likely on Monday and Tuesday for a large swath of the nation's heartland. Monday's primary impact zone will encompass the area from Oklahoma and into the upper Mississippi Valley. The focus of the action is expected to train over southern Minnesota and over into Iowa and northern Missouri.

Cities in the line of fire for Monday's storms include Des Moines, Iowa. The large metro area in the central portion of the Hawkeye State is forecast to see the storms erupt in the overnight hours Sunday and into early Monday. The storms will linger throughout the day and into the evening hours. It will be a windy and warm day with winds out of the south at 20 to 30 mph and highs that climb into the low 80s. Overnight lows will slide into the mid 50s with gusty conditions remaining a threat.

Kansas City will be on the fringe of the storm activity early. This metro area should prepare for the chance of isolated storms during the day that intensify in scope and strength overnight. Highs will reach the low 80s before slipping to about 63 degrees. Like the rest of the impacted region, it will be breezy with winds out of the south-southwest at 15 to 25 mph. Winds could hit speeds of 40 mph at times.

Tuesday's Action Expands to the East

The storms will shift a bit on Tuesday, primarily impacting an area from the southern Great Lakes and over into the middle portion of the Mississippi and Ohio valleys. Farther to the west, storms are likely to roam across eastern portions of Oklahoma and to the south into northern Texas.

St. Louis will wake up to cloudy but dry conditions. That will change in the afternoon when thunderstorms are likely to come to life over the Arch City. The forecast is also calling for a high of about 78 degrees, winds out of the southwest at 10 to 15 mph, and an overnight low in the upper 50s.

With all of these storm cells, those in the impact zone should be ready for large hail, high winds, and tornadoes. The atmospheric setup is likely to shift in the days ahead, meaning that the forecast models may also change. Be sure to stay tuned for the most updated guidance.

Traditional Spring Storm Setup

While it may seem like there has been a lot of storm activity in recent weeks, this is quite common this time of the year. The upcoming weather will be the result of a traditional southward dip in the jet stream across the Plains and the Midwest.

The upper-level winds whipping around in the atmosphere will merge with the influx of warm and moist air coming up from the Gulf. The combination of these factors will create the classic spring storm setup that is capable of generating thunderstorms and tornadoes.

Speaking of tornadoes, this is the time of the year when the primary impact zone for twisters shifts to the north. During the early part of the spring, the prevalence of warmer temperatures in the southern U.S. means that this is the region most likely to experience tornadic activity. However, the natural movement of the jet stream to the north as the spring progresses means that the Plains and the Midwest become the primary targets by the end of April and through May. This will be something to keep in mind as the calendar flips from April to May.

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