A Few Thunderstorms

The warm day yesterday had several clusters of thunderstorms during the afternoon and into the overnight hours. A severe thunderstorm watch was issued during the early afternoon for much of western Iowa. Although one tornado warning was issued in south-central Iowa during the mid-afternoon hours, the only reports received across the state of Iowa were larger hail and gusty winds. Luckily, the heaviest of the rains were over areas that are not currently flooding.

The same story is likely to happen once again today, with afternoon thunderstorms developing due to the warm air and some moisture return. The best chance for thunderstorms this time around should be for the northern third of the state, where a weak disturbance and potential boundary will aid in the development of those thunderstorms. Similar to yesterday, some of these storms will be capable of large hail and gusty winds, as well as frequent lightning.

Despite the thunderstorms, another great day outside with highs reaching into the lower and mid 80s throughout. Winds should be fairly weak and variable through the afternoon, with the occasional gust from any nearby storms that may develop. The chance of thunderstorms should expand throughout the state in the evening and overnight hours, however, severe potential does seem rather limited at this time. Overnight lows should range from the upper 50s to lower 60s from mainly north to south, with the slight chance of a very isolated thunderstorm lingering across the state.

For the weekend, a couple small chances of a thunderstorm or two, nothing widespread. Highs ranging from the upper 70s in the northeast to the mid 80s in the southwest for both Saturday and Sunday. Partly cloudy skies expected for both days, with a northerly wind between 5-15 mph. Lows overnight in the mid 50s to near 60 across the state, with light winds and mainly clear skies.