A Quiet Week?

The upper levels are finally beginning to calm down, as a ridge begins to build over the Rockies and the high plains. This ridge in the upper levels will leave most of the plains in a fairly quiet period, with only occasional nighttime MCS thunderstorms expected. Areas of the high plains may see more frequent thunderstorms, although they will be highly isolated. Iowa should stay dry through Thursday, with thunderstorms possible with a weak shortwave moving through during the afternoon and overnight on Thursday. Even beyond Thursday night, it doesn't look like we'll see another good severe threat in the plains until early next week.

Today's forecast is for clear skies, northwesterly winds, and overall cooler temperatures for this time of year with highs in the mid 70s throughout much of the state. Tonight will see cool temperatures still, with little in the way of moisture present, lower to mid 50s expected. Tuesday highs expected in the mid 70s to upper 70s from northeast to southwest; lows overnight in the mid to upper 50s. As the ridge continues to build on Wednesday, highs will increase once again to the upper 70s to lower 80s from northeast to southwest. Moisture will be increasing as well, with southerly flow present, Wednesday night lows in the mid 50s to lower 60s from east to west.

A weak wave is likely to round the ridge and create enough upper level support for thunderstorms in Iowa on Thursday. During the afternoon, thunderstorm chances will be present for the western half of the state. Highs expected to range from the upper 70s to lower 80s from east to west. Overnight, lows will range from the upper 50s to lower 60s; chances of thunderstorms over much of the state, but the greatest over western and central thirds. To finish off the weak, a few thunderstorms are possible over the eastern third of the state during the day and into the overnight. Highs should range from near 80 to the mid 80s from east to west; lows in the lower to mid 60s throughout.

Enjoy the week's weather, it is a much deserved break from thunderstorms and severe weather that have been featured for the past week(s). More updates on the blog this week will adjust any of the forecast as necessary, and bring Thursdays' thunderstorm chances better into view. Also, look for pictures from both the June 11 and June 12 storm chases in Nebraska and Kansas.