Blog Article
Midwest Severe Storms Today, Tax Day Threat for Plains
An Enhanced Risk of severe weather targets Chicago and the Midwest today. The storm threat shifts to the Southern Plains for Tax Day amid East Coast heat.
Alright y'all, we have a lot of ground to cover this morning. Yesterday we talked about the severe setup targeting the Great Lakes. Well, today is the day. But that is just one piece of a massive weather puzzle across the country right now. We have severe storms in the middle, record heat in the East, and a stubborn winter system out West.
Go-Time for the Great Lakes
The Storm Prediction Center has an Enhanced Risk over eastern Iowa, northern Illinois, and southern Wisconsin today. If you live in Chicago, Milwaukee, or Des Moines, you need to be paying attention this afternoon and evening.
The atmosphere is primed. We are looking at a 30 percent chance for large hail, and some of those stones could be over two inches across. There is also a 10 percent probability for tornadoes, and a few of them could be strong. If you are heading home from work or trying to catch the Royals and Tigers game over in Detroit tonight, keep your radar app handy. The rain and wind are going to cause major headaches and flight delays at O'Hare and Midway.
Tax Day Trouble Down South
Tomorrow is Tax Day, and the severe threat is going to shift south and east. We have a Slight Risk covering parts of the Southern Plains right up into the Middle Mississippi Valley. Places like Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Kansas City are in the crosshairs.
A dryline is going to set up out west. When that boundary fires up tomorrow afternoon, we expect isolated supercells to develop. The main threats will be large hail and damaging winds, but a couple of tornadoes are definitely possible. If you are rushing to the post office to drop off your tax returns in Oklahoma or Kansas, do it early in the day before the atmosphere boils over.
Record Heat East, Snow West
The contrast across the country right now is wild. Over in the Mid-Atlantic, folks are cranking the AC. Washington D.C. normally sees a high around 67 degrees in mid-April. Tomorrow and Thursday, they are forecasting highs in the low 90s. That is record-breaking heat for this time of year.
Meanwhile, out West, winter is holding on. By Thursday, a potent system is going to drop heavy snow across the Northern Rockies. Snow levels will fall all the way to the valley floors. If you are driving through the mountains in Montana or Wyoming later this week, expect winter driving conditions and leave early.
The Bottom Line
- Midwest: Have multiple ways to get weather warnings today. Ensure your phone is charged and your safe room is ready.
- Southern Plains: Use today to prep for tomorrow's storms. Secure loose outdoor items and plan your Wednesday errands for the morning.
- Mid-Atlantic: Drink plenty of water and check on your AC units.
- Northern Rockies: Dig the winter coats back out and prepare for slick roads by Thursday.