With today being the first day of Spring, it is only fitting that severe weather possibilities return to the forecast for the upcoming week. Tuesday and Friday are the most likely days for severe weather to develop. For today, there is a marginal risk of severe storms in Indiana and Ohio with a risk for hail larger than a inch in diameter.
Hail developed earlier today from Chicago to Indianapolis. Strong storms may produce additional areas of hail larger than an inch in diameter.
@NWSChicago https://t.co/9fWDwLpxJm heres the link and photo with the link pic.twitter.com/ecZEACi31G
— Bob – NILStormChaser (@nilwxreports) March 20, 2017
Earlier storms in central IL also produced significant amounts of hail, enough to coat roads. Photo is from Cullom by John R. Cotter. #ilwx pic.twitter.com/cwgLQ6dIcS
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) March 20, 2017
North side of Indy @NWSIndianapolis Courtesy @Lucas_Wiseman #Hail #INwx pic.twitter.com/67kbX2ANDq
— Danielle Dozier (@DanielleDozier) March 20, 2017
A cold front will move southward through the Ohio Valley. A few thunderstorms are possible along the front into this evening, bringing the isolated severe weather risk.
The front will push southward tomorrow, increasing the chance for severe weather into the Tennessee Valley. A slight risk for severe thunderstorms has been outlined by the Storm Prediction Center for the region. As heat and humidity builds ahead of the cold front in the afternoon and evening, large hail and strong wind gusts may develop.
There is also a marginal risk for severe storms Tuesday in Central California. An upper level system will swing across the state, producing thunderstorms. There is a low chance for tornadoes, along with large hail.
Heads up! Thunderstorms are possible Tues. Stronger storms in the Valley could produce large hail & chance for an isolated tornado! #cawx pic.twitter.com/68ryiiWg9E
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) March 20, 2017
12:30pm CDT #SPC Day2 Outlook Slight Risk: from a portion of the lower mississip… https://t.co/rEAejNHwPA pic.twitter.com/bWErozIVXv
— NWS SPC (@NWSSPC) March 20, 2017
The most likely day for severe thunderstorms will be on Friday. A strong low pressure center will move out of the Rockies and into the Southern Plains, dragging a cold front across the region. A dry line is expected to sharpen, becoming better defined as it moves eastward. A line of severe thunderstorms will likely develop as heat and humidity builds ahead of the system in the southerly flow off the Gulf of Mexico. Strong winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes are possible into the Arklatex region.
For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Mace Michaels