Severe chances & potential record heat

There will be a severe chance in the Plains today, including Kansas for a change. We've been pretty fortunate lately to dodge the big storms to the south, but the setup late this afternoon will favor some severe weather across eastern Kansas. This front coming through is moving so fast that the rain chance isn't going to be around long.

Here's what some models are showing for 3 p.m.

Just 3 hours later at 6 p.m.

The biggest storms this evening will likely go through Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. A squall line (notorious for damaging wind gusts) will be pretty likely through the Ozarks and beyond. Several 60+mph wind gusts are likely southeast of here.

A weather pattern shift is going to take place later this week which will make it feel like summer. I'm not a big fan of seeing 90s at the end of April... even early to mid May would be too soon. It can dry things out in a hurry, however, this will be very short lived AND... we even see things going back the other direction early on in May (meaning... MUCH cooler weather on the horizon). So there's no need to panic that we are suddenly jumping into a long, hot summer.

Look at how much of the country will be above normal at the end of this week:

And records that we will keep tabs on as Thursday/Friday draw closer:

More chances for rain and storms are just down the road. I know there are many areas in western Kansas that area dry and would definitely appreciate a good soaking rain. I'm looking at Saturday night/early Sunday, and then potentially again to start next week. Below is a snapshot of one of the models for early Sunday. Much of the state should have a chance for some rain. More info on this as time gets closer.

Have a great day and thanks for spending a few minutes here.