Threat of Severe Thunderstorms Continues in the Plains

Jon Erdman
Published: October 4,2016
Severe thunderstorms, producing hail, gusty winds and a few tornadoes, are possible in parts of the Plains states this week.
(MORE: Fall Has Its Share of Severe Weather, Too)

Current Radar with Watches and Warnings

A pattern change featuring a sharp, southward dip in the jet stream will pivot into the Plains, pumping increasingly warm and humid air northward into the nation's heartland.
Ahead of a frontal system, the environment will be conducive for strong to severe thunderstorms at times this week. While it doesn't appear to be a severe weather outbreak, some damaging storms appear likely.
(MORE: View National Interactive Radar Map | Difference Between a Watch and a Warning)
Below is our latest forecast thinking on the timing and magnitude of the severe threats this week.

Severe Weather Forecast

Through Tuesday Night

• Severe thunderstorms may be numerous from parts of the Missouri Valley of eastern Nebraska and western Iowa into parts of Kansas and Oklahoma.
• Threats: Large hail, damaging winds and flash flooding
• Cities: Lincoln, Nebraska | Wichita, Kansas | Oklahoma City

Tuesday Night's Thunderstorm Outlook

Thursday

• Another threat for at least scattered severe storms may develop from parts of the Upper Midwest to the central and southern Plains as another jet-stream level impulse pushes into the region ahead of a quasi-stationary front. 
• Threats: Damaging wind gusts, large hail and a few tornadoes
• Cities: Des Moines, Iowa | Kansas City, Missouri | Wichita, Kansas

Thursday's Thunderstorm Forecast

(MAPS: 7-Day Rainfall/Thunderstorm/Snow U.S. Forecast)

MORE: Minnesota, Iowa Flooding Photos (Sep. 2016)