Thunderstorms are expected to develop across portions of the Great Lakes and Great Plains on Thursday ahead of a cold front. Across the Southeast, thunderstorms will develop in response to daytime heating. As the cold front across the Great Lakes continues to progress eastward on Friday, thunderstorms will be possible for portions of the Great Lakes and Northeast. A developing low will move into the Northern Plains on Friday, leading to the development of thunderstorms. Into Saturday, thunderstorms will once again be possible for portions of the Plains and Midwest ahead of a front. A few strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible for eastern Colorado and western Kansas ahead of a cold front.

US Hazards

Region 1

The focus for severe weather on Thursday remains situated across the northern and eastern periphery of a broad area of high pressure currently anchored over the Plains. However, a small risk may develop late in the day for isolated to scattered thunderstorms, some severe, from the Colorado Front Range into Nebraska and South Dakota. Isolated severe wind and large hail will be possible with the stronger storms. A greater risk for storm impact will exist across the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes where better instability is already in place.  Additionally, an ongoing line of thunderstorms currently approaching Lake Michigan will continue to move eastward across portions of Ontario and Quebec, as well as much of Lower Michigan through the afternoon hours. Once again, severe winds and large hail will be the primary hazards, but an isolated tornado or two cannot be ruled out. 

Major Cities in Region: Denver, CO, Omaha, NE, Chicago, IL, Detroit, MI, Cleveland, OH, Buffalo, NY

Update 1:48pm CDT: Thunderstorms are severe warned in Northern Indiana for damaging winds and small hail.

Radar Northern Indiana 1:43pm CDT

Region 1

Region 2

While significant severe weather is not expected across the Southeast, numerous late afternoon showers and thunderstorms will likely develop later today due to strong daytime heating and a moisture rich environment. Storms may produce damaging winds before dark.

Update 1:06pm CDT: Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are developing across much of the Southeast.

Major Cities in Region: Atlanta, GA, Montgomery, AL, Pensacola, FL, Tallahassee, FL

Region 2

Strong to Severe Thunderstorms Possible for Portions of the Northeast and Great Lakes on Friday

Strong to severe thunderstorms will likely be ongoing across portions of the Southern Great Lakes early Friday morning. While the threat for severe weather may be more marginal, some of the more intense thunderstorms may produce winds in excess of 60 mph and hail larger than half an inch in diameter. The severe weather threat will likely ramp up into the afternoon as a cold front digs into the Northeast. Ahead of this cold front, thunderstorms will have the potential to be strong to severe. Damaging winds will be the primary hazard, though some thunderstorms may also produce hail larger than one inch in diameter. 

Major Cities in  Region: Chicago. IL, Cleveland, OH, Philadelphia, PA, New York, NY

SPC Convective Outlook for Friday

Strong to Severe Thunderstorms Possible Friday Across the Northern Plains

Thunderstorms are expected to develop during the afternoon hours near a developing low over eastern Montana and northern Wyoming. These storms will likely merge into a squall line and track eastward through the Dakotas overnight, and possibly into western Minnesota late Friday night, These thunderstorms will be capable of producing damaging wind gusts, with hail also being likely in some of the stronger storms over portions of Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. In addition to the severe weather threat, locally heavy rainfall will be possible. Rainfall amounts will likely remain near an inch in most places, but locally heavier amounts in excess of 2 inches will be possible. 

SPC Convective Outlook for Friday

Strong to Severe Thunderstorms Possible Across Portions of the Midwest and Great Plains on Saturday

Thunderstorms will be possible across the Dakotas and Nebraska on Saturday ahead of a cold front by late afternoon, some of which may become severe. Large hail and damaging winds will be the primary hazards with these storms. These storms will advance into the Great Lakes during the overnight hours, with the threat transitioning to primarily damaging winds.  In addition to the severe weather threat, heavy rain will also be possible. Widespread rainfall accumulations of 1-2 inches with locally higher amounts in excess of 3 inches will be possible. 

Major Cities in Region: Bismarck, ND, Aberdeen, SD

SPC Convective Outlook for Saturday

Strong to Severe Thunderstorms Possible for Portions of Colorado and Kansas on Saturday

A few isolated strong to severe thunderstorms may develop over the Front Range of Colorado and western Kansas Saturday afternoon near a cold front. While the overall threat should be low, a few storms may produce strong wind gusts in excess of 50 mph and hail larger than half an inch in diameter. 

Major Cities in Region: Lamar, CO, Goodland, KS

SPC Convective Outlook for Saturday

This is just a brief look at current weather hazards. We can provide you site-specific forecast information for the purpose of protecting your personnel and assets. Try a 7-day demo right away and learn how timely precision weather information can enhance your bottomline.