Stormy Forecast

Thunderstorms are expected to make their way into the state this evening and continue through the night. Thunderstorms should once again develop during the afternoon and evening on Thursday, with the potential for a few severe storms. The severe weather threat for tomorrow should be limited to the western half of the state. Portions of the state may be under a significant risk for severe weather, this may be addressed in later updates tonight. Thunderstorms should continue across the entire state overnight on Thursday with a continued risk for winds and hail with stronger storms. Dependent on the movement of the system, it looks like the eastern half of the state may have a chance at severe weather Friday afternoon as the front moving across the state once again lights up with thunderstorms. The main risks of wind and hail seem likely at this time throughout the forecast, however tomorrow afternoon may have the risk for isolated tornadoes in portions of the state and especially in areas of Kansas/Nebraska. More information on tomorrow's severe weather threat will be posted late tonight as the evening model runs come in and additional details can be known.

As for the weather besides the storms, a great day today with highs ranging from the mid 70s to lower 80s! Strong southeasterly winds should continue to pull in the warm air, a warm front should lift northward and provide ample moisture for the state as well. Dew points in southwestern Iowa are in the mid 50s and higher, forecasts continue this moisture increase into the upper 50s and lower 60s. These winds also provide Iowa with high temperatures tomorrow in the 70s, potentially a few 80s if the sun can hold through the afternoon.

As the cold front pushes through the state Thursday evening, lows overnight should range from near 60 to near 40 from southeast to northwest Iowa. Friday highs from the upper 60s ahead of the front in southeast Iowa to the lower 50s in northwest Iowa. This cold front is quite strong, thus the potential for severe weather; expect lows heading into this weekend to range from the lower 40s to lower 30s! A bit of a chilly weekend ahead, so enjoy today and tomorrow before the thunderstorms and cold air work over the state.

As mentioned previously, updates tonight will address the thunderstorm risk overnight and go into detail on tomorrow's risk of severe weather for the state.