Happy weekend! It's been awhile since I've posted in here...lots going on with members of the weather team all rotating days off and vacation time before our next ratings period begins at the end of April.
That said, we're gearing up for yet another active week! The line of storms that moved through last night was great! Just a couple of warnings and no damage reports that I know of, plus we got a good dose of much needed rainfall.
Most areas were in the 1/2" to 1" range since yesterday, and we could get a little more today as wrap-around storms are expected when the area of strong low pressure moves over and northeast of us through the day.
Today will be different in that the coverage of storms won't be as widespread. Scattered storms will be possible from early afternoon on. Some of these could become strong to severe, depending on if we can get a bit of sunshine between the clouds to help increase our instability, and have that line up with the highest wind shear over the region.
So while there is a threat for severe weather, it is conditional on if the ingredients all come together to create a favorable environment.
The Storm Prediction Center has us in a marginal risk for severe weather, with isolated hail and damaging wind gusts possible in a few storms.
The threat will diminish tonight as low pressure exits northeast, but we could still have some lingering spotty showers through early Sunday morning. We will feel the effects of the cold front tomorrow, with highs only topping out in the low 60s.
Next week, the upper level pattern looks active, with the jet stream dipping up and down through the week. We look for a more zonal (west-east) flow when forecasting tranquil weather, and this week will be anything but.
The SPC is already highlighting areas south of St. Louis for a few strong storms Monday, so we will be continuing to fine tune the forecast as you plan the new work week.
Next week will feature highs in the 60s and lows in the upper 40s to low 50s. Stay tuned and have a great weekend!