Severe chances next few days

Severe weather chances return to Kansas, but as dry as it is for many areas, you might be glad to just have a chance for some rain. We are going to get a new look at the drought monitor on Thursday, but I think we are only going to find that drought conditions are more widespread. We just aren't getting rain on a consistent basis (and it hasn't been very widespread either).

Wednesday (today):

I would expect storms to begin near the Kansas/Nebraska state line and move east. Once we get late into the night, they will take a turn to the southeast. Strongest storms overnight will be capable of wind gusts to 50-55 mph. Hail threat should diminish quickly after sunset.

Thursday Morning - leftovers
Remnants of storms will be moving out quickly and then the atmosphere will recharge for another batch of scattered storms into the evening. There is some potential of a few severe storms, but not on a widespread scale.

Rainfall forecast:

Remember, this just gives us some idea of the amounts we might pick up. It won't be exact, but I would set my expectations for .50" and realize that it could be more if a heavy thunderstorm moves right over your location. We've seen some 2-3" rains lately under the heaviest storms, but that hasn't happened for everyone.

Looking down the road - Next week temperatures are all WELL above normal. I expect several days with chances of hitting 100° (or hotter). The main storm track will continue to stay north of Kansas, keep much of the rain and "cooler" weather in the northern Plains.

Into late July - more heat:

Models aren't suggesting any radical shift in the upper air pattern, so we will head into late July with more hot weather for the Plains. July 18-25 temperatures look like this. Remember, the orange/red colors indicate "above normal" temperatures and this time of year, that easily means 95°+