The storm system to the west has just started to form its main line of showers and storms in eastern OK and KS, but it will do that later this evening. We’re stuck in the warm sector with temperatures soaring through the 70s and dew points climbing toward 60° this afternoon. But things take a turn later tonight.
Satellite & Radar graphic made in WDRB’s WSI graphics system
A line of storms will form in the Southern Plains and into the Ohio River Valley / Midwest Region around midnight. Storms should gradually start to weaken as they cross the Illinois/Indiana border.
AdvanceTrak graphic made in WDRB’s WSI graphics system
The reason storms are expected to weaken is that they will likely be running well-ahead of the cold front and ahead of the best surface energy. The low level jet will be absolutely screaming, so damaging winds around 60 mph is the most likely scenario late tonight and early Saturday morning. Some hail will be possible, and a few instances of rotation could lead to a tornado warning or two for a possible brief, spin-up tornado.
Low level jet wind speeds graphic made in WDRB’s WSI graphics system…