Update on Severe Weather Threat Areas This Afternoon/Evening...

As expected, thunderstorms are developing along a frontal boundary extending from southern Indiana, Eastward into the state of Maryland at early afternoon (as shown on the radar image above).  A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was recently issued for this general region, valid until 9pm EDT:

Large hail and strong, gusty winds are the primary hazards that will be associated with this activity.  The storms themselves will generally move toward the East as the line gradually sags to the South during the afternoon and early evening hours.

Further West, thunderstorms are likely to develop over portions of central and eastern Kansas by mid to late afternoon, within the yellow and red shaded, black hatched area on the image below:

The atmosphere over this region is becoming increasingly unstable, and a Northward moving warm front will provide additional lifting.  Also, a weak disturbance in the upper-atmosphere will provide for focus for development in this area.  

Very large hail, damaging wind gusts and a few tornadoes are possible in this region.

This activity will likely develop into a cluster or small complex of thunderstorm activity and move Eastward into adjacent portions of west-central or southwestern Missouri late this evening or early tonight.

Elsewhere, and further to the Southwest, isolated thunderstorms may develop along a surface dryline from southwest Texas into the eastern Texas panhandle region late this afternoon or early this evening (as indicated by that part of the brown shaded area on the image above).  This activity will be isolated, but any organized storm in this region could produce large hail and strong, gusty winds.

If you live across any of the severe weather threat areas described above, please remain alert.  Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local media or another trusted source for the latest information, watches and possible warnings.  Take a few moments to review severe weather safety and preparedness tips and be ready to seek shelter if threatening weather is observed or a warning is issued for your area.

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