Early Week Thunderstorms

Well as we head off to the start of this shortened work week, thunderstorms are in the forecast for the first half of it. A cold front will sweep across the state beginning tomorrow evening and will continue through the day on Wednesday. Along and just ahead of this front is where thunderstorms, some strong, are going to be possible. Tomorrows' highs will range from the lower 80s in the east to mid 70s in the west where cloudiness and early afternoon thunderstorms are possible. By Tuesday night expect thunderstorms to be moving across the state, especially western and central portions. Lows will range from the mid 60s to the upper 50s from east to west. Continued thunderstorms on Wednesday throughout the state as not only the cold front, but a low pressure system works into the state providing extra support for rain. Highs on Wednesday will range from near 80 in the southeast to near 70 in the northwest. By Wednesday night the thunderstorms finally begin to move out of the state, leaving western Iowa and most of central Iowa clear by Thursday. Lows for Wednesday night will be cooler, with lower 60s ahead of the front and mid/upper 50s for central and western Iowa. The latter half of the week may contain even more thunderstorms as we head into the weekend, that is a subject to be discussed later in the week.

TWISTEX Update: As the month of May finishes up, it will do so without another trip by the TWISTEX team. Long range models are not friendly for the first portions of June either, as a ridge sets up in the west (trough in east) allowing for northwest flow over the plains. This does not bode well for tornadoes, although severe weather may be present, large hail is largely the main threat. More of a zonal flow finally works in with a fairly significant wave by the June 6-7 time frame and may be the first action for the month by the TWISTEX team. This zonal flow continues, although southwesterly flow begins to show up in the longer ranges for areas of the Dakotas. This could be a sign for at least some marginal threats for severe weather, as at least the mid-level flow is looking brigher.