Winter finally fading - Severe weather threat is back next week?

The last bit of winter is hopefully on the way out of Kansas. It's already threatening the Kansas winter wheat crop and the early spring gardens are not likely fans of this cold and snow. Most of us are happy to have the moisture, but in late April, we'd probably be better off with rain. 

 Latest snowfall reports look like this:

 Record low temperatures are also being threatened:

 Another system is coming later this week:

This doesn't look like a strong system at all, but it will be spread out over a couple of days. Much of the state will see minimal amounts, but it will be heavier along and southeast of the Turnpike. Friday has the better chance of the two days, especially for south central Kansas. If some thunderstorms do form in our area late week, we won't have a severe threat with temperatures remaining so cool. The model image below might be a little overdone on amounts for Kansas, but shows the heaviest goes across Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas.

Severe weather threat next week?

 

  

It is something we will take a closer look at as the time frame draws near, but early signals point toward a potential threat for the Plains by Tuesday. There will be a stronger low pressure tracking into the SOUTHWEST, which might be key to how this all sets up. I don't think we will be lacking in humidity, as Gulf of Mexico moisture pushes north, dew points will reach the 60s for the eastern half of the state. It is still a week away, so plenty of time to try and iron it all out, but you will likely hear more chatter of stronger thunderstorm potential next Tuesday.

Our next meteor shower reaches its peak

This is the Lyrid meteor shower and it will peak Wednesday night/Thursday, but there's not much excitement surrounding this particular show. First, skies in Kansas will likely be cloudy and the moon will be about 67% full. Even if the weather were to cooperate, you're going to struggle against the moon light and the frequency of the meteors probably isn't high enough to really make it worth your time. If you like meteor showers, you might think about waiting for the next one, which comes along in early May (the Eta Aquarids). You only have a few weeks to wait.