Much of the nation will see a break from severe weather this week due to a temporary change in the jet stream. However, severe storms are forecast to return by the weekend and will threaten the Plains states.
Thunderstorms and severe weather that have affected parts of the South and Plains states will be suppressed for the next few days. The jet stream has bulged north into the Rockies. When this jet stream pattern occurs, the wind sheer needed to create thunderstorms cannot take place. As a result, the South and Plains states will see a much needed break from severe weather for the next few days. While there may be scattered thunderstorms and showers, none will be severe. Heavy rain is not expected either.
Unfortunately the break from severe weather won’t last long, as the jet stream is expected to dip back south toward the Mexican border. This will create the conditions necessary for severe weather to occur throughout the South and Plains states over the weekend. Although it is too early to forecast exactly where an when the severe threats will occur, storms could begin as soon as Friday. Widespread severe thunderstorms, lines of supercell storms, tornadoes, damaging winds, heavy rain and hail are all possible.
The weekend’s severe weather forecast will be updated as soon as information becomes available.
