Central U.S. Continues to be in the Crosshairs for Thunderstorm Development

Posted: May 13, 2023 10:09 am

Those in the central U.S. will want to keep an eye on the forecast in the coming days, particularly if they have outdoor plans over the weekend. The second weekend of May is typically a popular weekend for outdoor activities with spring in full swing and plans to celebrate Mother’s Day with family and friends.

The weather could have different plans for some of these get-togethers. Here is what you need to know about the threat of severe weather in the nation’s heartland and beyond.

Moisture-Rich Air Fuels Storm Development in Midwest and Ohio Valley

A widespread storm system is setting up to bring periodic rain and the risk of severe storms to the middle of the country and into the Ohio Valley. All of this will be happening as Texas grapples with the threat of flooding at the hands of a stalled front bringing torrential rain to the region.

Warm and humid air is currently anchored over the bulk of the Midwest. This air mass is providing the necessary ingredients to trigger thunderstorm development. Forecasters warn that some of these storms could turn severe given the right conditions.

Friday’s storm cells largely targeted the Midwest, stretching through Nebraska and Iowa. The biggest risks of severe weather will move to the east on Saturday, bringing in more of the Midwest into the primary impact zone.

Saturday’s storms are predicted to fire up in central portions of Iowa before moving into parts of Missouri and Iowa. The worst of the storms is expected to hit during the afternoon and evening hours. You can expect wind gusts of up to 65 mph with this weather maker.

Hail is also a possibility as the storms move through.

Mother’s Day Forecast

The storms will exit the Midwest by Mother’s Day, leaving behind drier conditions for any outdoor holiday plans. However, the Ohio Valley will then be under the gun for the severe weather. Cities such as Indianapolis, Louisville, and Cincinnati may see disruptive conditions. The stormy conditions could expand as far south as Nashville.

Motorists using interstates 64, 70, and 75 will want to stay abreast of any potential severe storms and heavy rain. These storms could produce a variety of hazards, including the possibility of isolated tornadic activity.

A change in the jet stream pattern is forecast to set in by the beginning of the week across the central portions of the U.S. This shift will push the moisture-rich air farther to the south by the beginning of the work week, lowering the risk of severe weather across the Midwest.

Elsewhere in the U.S.

Meanwhile, the western half of the country will enjoy largely dry and warm weather on Mother’s Day. This includes the Pacific Northwest where cities such as Seattle and Portland may hit the 90-degree mark on Sunday, potentially shattering long-standing daily high records.

It will also be a nice day up and down the East Coast and into the Southeast. For instance, New York City will enjoy temperatures in the mid 70s with a mix of sun and clouds. Temperatures will hover in the mid 60s in Boston with mostly sunny conditions.

Heading down the coast, Charlotte is forecast to see mostly cloudy skies with a predicted high of about 81 degrees. While a stray shower or storm could pop up, the day is not likely to be a total washout. You will find a similar forecast for Atlanta, with slightly warmer temperatures that climb into the upper 80s.

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