Thunderstorms (Slight Severe Risk)

We warm up nicely today with strong southerly winds bringing up both the temperatures and moisture. As we finally got rid of the slow system that affected the state for several days, western Iowa saw clear skies for part of the day yesterday while the rest of the state cleared out overnight. Today's highs will range from near 70 to the mid 70s throughout the state; lows tonight will only drop into the upper 40s and lower 50s as the dew points continue to rise. This rise in southerly flow is in response to a system that is going to be moving into the state late Monday afternoon. This cold front will create conditions for showers and thunderstorms during the late afternoon and evening hours tomorrow. Dependent on moisture return and the lift that the front can create, the potential may exist for a few isolated severe thunderstorms. The severe risk looks to be fairly limited, mainly a threat for large hail or damaging winds. Current SPC outlook has a portion of south-central Iowa under the slight risk, however later updates tomorrow may include a larger area of the state.

Highs tomorrow should be in the 70s throughout central and eastern Iowa; western Iowa may be under the influence of the cold front and thus mid to upper 60s for highs seem likely. Showers and thunderstorms should continue from the early evening through the overnight, affecting most of the state. Lows Monday night will have a wide range, from the upper 50s in southeastern Iowa to lows near 40 in extreme northwest Iowa. Showers and thunderstorms may continue for eastern Iowa for Tuesday as the front is slow to move out; highs in the 60s throughout the state.

After this system moves out temperatures should still remain mild with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s for the most part. Another system will likely move into the state on Thursday with the potential for more showers and thunderstorms.