SPC Oct 18, 2024 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

1 month 1 week ago
SPC 0600Z Day 2 Outlook
Day 2 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1240 AM CDT Fri Oct 18 2024 Valid 191200Z - 201200Z ...THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE SOUTHERN HIGH PLAINS... ...SUMMARY... Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible across the southern High Plains Saturday into Saturday night. Large hail will be the primary threat, though isolated severe winds and a tornado may also occur with the strongest storms. ...Synopsis... The upper-level trough within the lower Colorado River Valley will become a closed low in the Southwest and become nearly stationary just south of the Four Corners on Saturday. Mid-level winds associated with this feature are expected to weaken some as compared to Friday, though some intensification may occur as the trough becomes more progressive by early Sunday morning. At the surface, modest return flow of generally poor-quality low-level moisture will continue into the southern High Plains as a surface trough is maintained from eastern Colorado into eastern New Mexico. Nebulous ascent from the upper-level low as well as low-level warm advection should promote some showers/thunderstorms early in the period, especially in New Mexico. ...Central/eastern New Mexico into western Texas... Southeasterly return flow around the surface high in the Ohio Valley will maintain mid to upper 50s F dewpoints in the southern High Plains. Forcing from the upper low and a Pacific cold front will promote late-afternoon thunderstorm development from central to eastern New Mexico. Ongoing precipitation early in the period gives some uncertainty as to how much surface-based destabilization will occur. MLCAPE of around 1000 J/kg appears possible where greater heating occurs with closer to 500 J/kg elsewhere. However, there appears a slightly more favorable zone for heating from the Davis Mountains into east-central New Mexico. Deep-layer shear will be favorable for supercells, and mid-level lapse rates will remain steep enough to support some threat for large hail even if some storms remain slightly elevated. Isolated strong to severe gusts could occur with the most organized supercells. Low-level shear will increase after 00Z, but a simultaneous increase in low-level stability is also expected. Even so, a narrow window exists for a tornado or two should a mature supercell persist into the early evening. Given a slightly slower eastward progression of the upper low in recent guidance, a small westward shift in severe probabilities was made. Some guidance shows convection developing within the Davis Mountains. Given the weak synoptic lift and potential for low-level clouds and stable conditions to the east, it is not clear if storms will develop or for how long they can persist eastward into marginally greater moisture. A conditional threat for severe hail would exist if a storm or two can develop and mature in the Trans-Pecos region. ..Wendt.. 10/18/2024 Read more

SPC Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook

1 month 1 week ago
SPC Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1251 AM CDT Fri Oct 18 2024 Valid 181200Z - 191200Z ...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER AREA FOR PARTS OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST... ...Synopsis... Critical fire weather conditions are possible this afternoon into the overnight hours along portions of the southern California coast. Elevated fire weather conditions are possible along the western slopes of the Sacramento Valley in northern California. Early-morning surface observations show a cold front pushing southeast across the Great Basin and central/southern CA. Strong northerly low to mid-level winds are anticipated behind this front by mid-morning across the southern CA ranges, which should induce an offshore flow regime. An influx of drier air combined with downslope warming/drying will promote areas of RH reductions to 10-20% in the lee of the coastal ranges. Latest guidance suggests elevated to critical fire weather conditions are most probable in the lee of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino ranges with winds gusting up to 40-50 mph possible. These conditions are expected to linger into the overnight hours as a surface high builds to the north across the Great Basin and reinforces the offshore pressure-gradient flow. Elevated to critical fire weather conditions are anticipated further east across the Mojave Desert into the Sonoran Desert in southwest AZ, but limited fuel availability and/or receptiveness should limit fire concerns. Further north through the Sacramento Valley, dewpoints have fallen by around 20 F over the past 12-18 hours in the wake of the surface front. This drier air, combined with diurnal heating/mixing, will promote 15-25% RH minimums this afternoon as breezy post-frontal winds between 15-25 mph persist through the day. ..Moore.. 10/18/2024 ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... Read more

SPC Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook

1 month 1 week ago
SPC Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1251 AM CDT Fri Oct 18 2024 Valid 181200Z - 191200Z ...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER AREA FOR PARTS OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST... ...Synopsis... Critical fire weather conditions are possible this afternoon into the overnight hours along portions of the southern California coast. Elevated fire weather conditions are possible along the western slopes of the Sacramento Valley in northern California. Early-morning surface observations show a cold front pushing southeast across the Great Basin and central/southern CA. Strong northerly low to mid-level winds are anticipated behind this front by mid-morning across the southern CA ranges, which should induce an offshore flow regime. An influx of drier air combined with downslope warming/drying will promote areas of RH reductions to 10-20% in the lee of the coastal ranges. Latest guidance suggests elevated to critical fire weather conditions are most probable in the lee of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino ranges with winds gusting up to 40-50 mph possible. These conditions are expected to linger into the overnight hours as a surface high builds to the north across the Great Basin and reinforces the offshore pressure-gradient flow. Elevated to critical fire weather conditions are anticipated further east across the Mojave Desert into the Sonoran Desert in southwest AZ, but limited fuel availability and/or receptiveness should limit fire concerns. Further north through the Sacramento Valley, dewpoints have fallen by around 20 F over the past 12-18 hours in the wake of the surface front. This drier air, combined with diurnal heating/mixing, will promote 15-25% RH minimums this afternoon as breezy post-frontal winds between 15-25 mph persist through the day. ..Moore.. 10/18/2024 ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... Read more

SPC Oct 18, 2024 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

1 month 1 week ago
SPC 1200Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1248 AM CDT Fri Oct 18 2024 Valid 181200Z - 191200Z ...THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PARTS OF THE SOUTHERN ROCKIES AND SOUTHERN HIGH PLAINS... ...SUMMARY... Isolated severe thunderstorms, with a threat for hail, damaging gusts and a tornado or two, will be possible this afternoon and evening from the southern Rockies eastward into the southern High Plains. ...Southern Rockies/Southern High Plains... An upper-level low will move southeastward across the Desert Southwest today, as warm advection takes place ahead of the system over the southern Plains. Low-level moisture will increase across eastern New Mexico and west Texas as a low-level jet remains in place. As surface temperatures warm during the day, an axis of instability will develop across eastern New Mexico, where MLCAPE is forecast to peak around 1000 J/kg. RAP forecast soundings near the instability axis at 00Z/Saturday have 0-6km shear in the 40 to 45 knot range, with 700-500 mb lapse rates near 7 C/km. This environment will support supercells with isolated large hail and a few severe gusts. RAP forecast soundings in northeastern New Mexico also have gradually veering winds with height below 700 mb and some speed shear in the lowest 1 km, with 0-3 km storm-relative helicity from 250 to 300 m2/s2. This may be enough for one or two tornadoes with any discrete supercell that can persist into the early evening, when the low-level jet will be stronger. An isolated severe threat may also develop as a line of storms moves across parts of the southern High Plains during the mid to late evening. ..Broyles/Moore.. 10/18/2024 Read more

SPC Oct 18, 2024 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

1 month 1 week ago
SPC 1200Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1248 AM CDT Fri Oct 18 2024 Valid 181200Z - 191200Z ...THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PARTS OF THE SOUTHERN ROCKIES AND SOUTHERN HIGH PLAINS... ...SUMMARY... Isolated severe thunderstorms, with a threat for hail, damaging gusts and a tornado or two, will be possible this afternoon and evening from the southern Rockies eastward into the southern High Plains. ...Southern Rockies/Southern High Plains... An upper-level low will move southeastward across the Desert Southwest today, as warm advection takes place ahead of the system over the southern Plains. Low-level moisture will increase across eastern New Mexico and west Texas as a low-level jet remains in place. As surface temperatures warm during the day, an axis of instability will develop across eastern New Mexico, where MLCAPE is forecast to peak around 1000 J/kg. RAP forecast soundings near the instability axis at 00Z/Saturday have 0-6km shear in the 40 to 45 knot range, with 700-500 mb lapse rates near 7 C/km. This environment will support supercells with isolated large hail and a few severe gusts. RAP forecast soundings in northeastern New Mexico also have gradually veering winds with height below 700 mb and some speed shear in the lowest 1 km, with 0-3 km storm-relative helicity from 250 to 300 m2/s2. This may be enough for one or two tornadoes with any discrete supercell that can persist into the early evening, when the low-level jet will be stronger. An isolated severe threat may also develop as a line of storms moves across parts of the southern High Plains during the mid to late evening. ..Broyles/Moore.. 10/18/2024 Read more

SPC Oct 18, 2024 0100 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

1 month 1 week ago
SPC 0100Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0759 PM CDT Thu Oct 17 2024 Valid 180100Z - 181200Z ...NO SEVERE THUNDERSTORM AREAS FORECAST... ...SUMMARY... Isolated thunderstorms will be possible tonight across parts of the Intermountain West and southern to central Rockies, but no severe threat is forecast. ...DISCUSSION... An upper-level ridge will move slowly eastward across the eastern U.S. tonight, as an upper-level trough and an associated low moves into the Desert Southwest. Isolated thunderstorm development will be possible this evening into tonight ahead of the trough from parts of the intermountain West into the southern and central Rockies. No severe thunderstorms are expected across the continental United States tonight. ..Broyles.. 10/18/2024 Read more

SPC Day 3-8 Fire Weather Outlook

1 month 1 week ago
SPC Day 3-8 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 3-8 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0458 PM CDT Thu Oct 17 2024 Valid 191200Z - 251200Z On the backside of a closed midlevel low over the Four Corners region, moderate deep-layer northerly flow will persist across southern CA early on Day 3/Saturday. This mid/upper-level support, combined with a tight pressure gradient, will yield a continuation of dry/breezy offshore flow -- favoring elevated to locally critical conditions into early Day 3/Saturday. Thereafter, deep-layer winds and the pressure gradient will both weaken across southern CA, though dry conditions will continue. The closed midlevel low/trough will continue east-northeastward across the central Rockies into early next week, with breezy winds expected across the Plains. However, low-level moisture return and eventual precipitation will limit RH reductions and the overall fire-weather risk. ..Weinman.. 10/17/2024 ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... Read more

SPC Day 3-8 Fire Weather Outlook

1 month 1 week ago
SPC Day 3-8 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 3-8 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0458 PM CDT Thu Oct 17 2024 Valid 191200Z - 251200Z On the backside of a closed midlevel low over the Four Corners region, moderate deep-layer northerly flow will persist across southern CA early on Day 3/Saturday. This mid/upper-level support, combined with a tight pressure gradient, will yield a continuation of dry/breezy offshore flow -- favoring elevated to locally critical conditions into early Day 3/Saturday. Thereafter, deep-layer winds and the pressure gradient will both weaken across southern CA, though dry conditions will continue. The closed midlevel low/trough will continue east-northeastward across the central Rockies into early next week, with breezy winds expected across the Plains. However, low-level moisture return and eventual precipitation will limit RH reductions and the overall fire-weather risk. ..Weinman.. 10/17/2024 ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... Read more

SPC Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook

1 month 1 week ago
SPC Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0258 PM CDT Thu Oct 17 2024 Valid 181200Z - 191200Z ...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER AREA FOR PORTIONS OF VENTURA...LOS ANGELES...SAN BERNARDINO...AND RIVERSIDE COUNTIES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA... A Critical area was added over portions of Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties in southern California. The latest high-resolution guidance consensus lends increased confidence in the overlap of strong offshore winds (gusts ranging from 45 to 55 mph) and single-digit to lower-teens RH on Friday morning/afternoon, and potentially again during the early morning hours on Saturday. The best overlap of the strong/gusty winds and low RH are expected over the typical wind-prone valleys/mountains (e.g., San Gabriel, Santa Monica, and Santa Ana Mountains and foothills). Upon coordination with the local forecast offices, fuels are supportive of large-fire spread, warranting the upgrade to Critical. Elsewhere, the previous forecast (see below) remains on track. ..Weinman.. 10/17/2024 .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 0153 AM CDT Thu Oct 17 2024/ ...Synopsis... As a surface low settles into the Southwest, strong southerly flow will continue across the Central and Southern Plains. This low-level flow will advect moisture northward which will eliminate most of the fire weather concern across the Plains. Very strong mid-level flow will overspread the Southwest as a compact upper-level cyclone slides east-southeast. Sustained winds of 30+ mph are likely beneath the strongest mid-level flow. Fuels across Arizona and New Mexico are not critically dry and therefore, no fire weather concerns have been highlighted at this time. However, dry fuels are present across California where some Elevated fire weather conditions are likely within the Central Valley, Coastal Ranges of the central and northern portions of the state, and in terrain favored areas of southern California. In addition to the strong winds Friday afternoon, the Santa Ana winds will likely strengthen again 06-12Z Saturday. This will occur as the LAX-TPH gradient strengthens to near 10-12 mb as diurnal cooling, and high pressure in the Great Basin strengthens the pressure gradient across southern California. ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... Read more

SPC Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook

1 month 1 week ago
SPC Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0258 PM CDT Thu Oct 17 2024 Valid 181200Z - 191200Z ...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER AREA FOR PORTIONS OF VENTURA...LOS ANGELES...SAN BERNARDINO...AND RIVERSIDE COUNTIES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA... A Critical area was added over portions of Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties in southern California. The latest high-resolution guidance consensus lends increased confidence in the overlap of strong offshore winds (gusts ranging from 45 to 55 mph) and single-digit to lower-teens RH on Friday morning/afternoon, and potentially again during the early morning hours on Saturday. The best overlap of the strong/gusty winds and low RH are expected over the typical wind-prone valleys/mountains (e.g., San Gabriel, Santa Monica, and Santa Ana Mountains and foothills). Upon coordination with the local forecast offices, fuels are supportive of large-fire spread, warranting the upgrade to Critical. Elsewhere, the previous forecast (see below) remains on track. ..Weinman.. 10/17/2024 .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 0153 AM CDT Thu Oct 17 2024/ ...Synopsis... As a surface low settles into the Southwest, strong southerly flow will continue across the Central and Southern Plains. This low-level flow will advect moisture northward which will eliminate most of the fire weather concern across the Plains. Very strong mid-level flow will overspread the Southwest as a compact upper-level cyclone slides east-southeast. Sustained winds of 30+ mph are likely beneath the strongest mid-level flow. Fuels across Arizona and New Mexico are not critically dry and therefore, no fire weather concerns have been highlighted at this time. However, dry fuels are present across California where some Elevated fire weather conditions are likely within the Central Valley, Coastal Ranges of the central and northern portions of the state, and in terrain favored areas of southern California. In addition to the strong winds Friday afternoon, the Santa Ana winds will likely strengthen again 06-12Z Saturday. This will occur as the LAX-TPH gradient strengthens to near 10-12 mb as diurnal cooling, and high pressure in the Great Basin strengthens the pressure gradient across southern California. ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... Read more

SPC Oct 17, 2024 2000 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

1 month 1 week ago
SPC 2000Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0236 PM CDT Thu Oct 17 2024 Valid 172000Z - 181200Z ...NO SEVERE THUNDERSTORM AREAS FORECAST... ...SUMMARY... Organized severe thunderstorms are not expected through tonight. ...20z Update... The previous outlook remains valid with no changes. Scattered thunderstorms are possible across the Great Basin and Rockies ahead of a deep upper trough and cold front this afternoon through tonight. An isolated stronger storm may be capable of strong outflow wind gusts, but organized severe storms are not expected. See the prior outlook for additional information. ..Lyons.. 10/17/2024 .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 1110 AM CDT Thu Oct 17 2024/ ...Western States... A large upper trough will dig southeastward across the mountainous west today and tonight. This will provide increasing large-scale ascent and increasing mid-level moisture for scattered showers and thunderstorms across much of the Rockies and Great Basin. Visible satellite imagery shows widespread high clouds over much of this area, which should limit daytime heating and destabilization. Strengthening winds aloft could pose a risk for gusty winds in the strongest cells this afternoon, but the risk of severe storms appears low. Read more

SPC Oct 17, 2024 2000 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

1 month 1 week ago
SPC 2000Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0236 PM CDT Thu Oct 17 2024 Valid 172000Z - 181200Z ...NO SEVERE THUNDERSTORM AREAS FORECAST... ...SUMMARY... Organized severe thunderstorms are not expected through tonight. ...20z Update... The previous outlook remains valid with no changes. Scattered thunderstorms are possible across the Great Basin and Rockies ahead of a deep upper trough and cold front this afternoon through tonight. An isolated stronger storm may be capable of strong outflow wind gusts, but organized severe storms are not expected. See the prior outlook for additional information. ..Lyons.. 10/17/2024 .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 1110 AM CDT Thu Oct 17 2024/ ...Western States... A large upper trough will dig southeastward across the mountainous west today and tonight. This will provide increasing large-scale ascent and increasing mid-level moisture for scattered showers and thunderstorms across much of the Rockies and Great Basin. Visible satellite imagery shows widespread high clouds over much of this area, which should limit daytime heating and destabilization. Strengthening winds aloft could pose a risk for gusty winds in the strongest cells this afternoon, but the risk of severe storms appears low. Read more

SPC Oct 17, 2024 1930 UTC Day 3 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook

1 month 1 week ago
SPC 1930Z Day 3 Outlook
Day 3 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0159 PM CDT Thu Oct 17 2024 Valid 191200Z - 201200Z ...THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE SOUTHERN HIGH PLAINS... ...SUMMARY... Strong thunderstorms are possible across the southern High Plains Saturday into Saturday night, accompanied by at least some risk for severe weather. ...Southern High Plains vicinity... An upper low over the Four Corners vicinity will only shift slight northeast through the forecast period. On the eastern periphery of this system, moderate deep-layer south/southwesterly flow will persist over the southern High Plains. Southeasterly low-level flow will maintain mid to upper 50s F dewpoints across the region, with decreasing boundary-layer moisture with northward extent into the central Plains. A weak surface trough/dryline will remain nearly stationary through the period, resulting in low-level convergence in a weak upslope flow regime. Cloudiness and ongoing showers/thunderstorms will limit heating. However, modest boundary-layer moisture beneath 7-7.5 C/km midlevel lapse rates will support weak instability (up to 1000 J/kg MLCAPE). Furthermore, vertically veering supercell wind profiles will support isolated organized convection. The overall pattern will remain similar to that expected in the Day 2/Friday period, and at least a low risk for severe storms is expected to persist on Day 3/Saturday. ..Leitman.. 10/17/2024 Read more

SPC Oct 17, 2024 1930 UTC Day 3 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook

1 month 1 week ago
SPC 1930Z Day 3 Outlook
Day 3 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0159 PM CDT Thu Oct 17 2024 Valid 191200Z - 201200Z ...THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE SOUTHERN HIGH PLAINS... ...SUMMARY... Strong thunderstorms are possible across the southern High Plains Saturday into Saturday night, accompanied by at least some risk for severe weather. ...Southern High Plains vicinity... An upper low over the Four Corners vicinity will only shift slight northeast through the forecast period. On the eastern periphery of this system, moderate deep-layer south/southwesterly flow will persist over the southern High Plains. Southeasterly low-level flow will maintain mid to upper 50s F dewpoints across the region, with decreasing boundary-layer moisture with northward extent into the central Plains. A weak surface trough/dryline will remain nearly stationary through the period, resulting in low-level convergence in a weak upslope flow regime. Cloudiness and ongoing showers/thunderstorms will limit heating. However, modest boundary-layer moisture beneath 7-7.5 C/km midlevel lapse rates will support weak instability (up to 1000 J/kg MLCAPE). Furthermore, vertically veering supercell wind profiles will support isolated organized convection. The overall pattern will remain similar to that expected in the Day 2/Friday period, and at least a low risk for severe storms is expected to persist on Day 3/Saturday. ..Leitman.. 10/17/2024 Read more

SPC Oct 17, 2024 1730 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

1 month 1 week ago
SPC 1730Z Day 2 Outlook
Day 2 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1206 PM CDT Thu Oct 17 2024 Valid 181200Z - 191200Z ...THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PORTIONS OF THE SOUTHERN HIGH PLAINS... ...SUMMARY... Strong thunderstorms are possible Friday night across parts of eastern New Mexico near the Sangre de Cristo and Sacramento Mountains. Some may pose a risk for small to marginally severe hail, locally damaging wind gusts, and perhaps a tornado. ...Southwest into the Southern High Plains... An upper low will develop within the base of a western trough on Friday. This system will progress across the Southwest toward the Four Corners/southern Rockies vicinity by Saturday morning. As this occurs, moderate mid/upper south/southwesterly flow (40-60 kt at 500 mb) will overspread the southern Rockies and adjacent High Plains. At the surface, modest boundary layer moisture will spread across southern AZ on southerly low-level flow ahead of an eastward-advancing cold front. Steepening midlevel lapse rates within the developing mid/upper low may provide weak elevated instability and isolated thunderstorms are possible. Further east, southeasterly low-level flow will transport modest Gulf moisture northwest across western Texas into eastern New Mexico along a surface trough/dryline. As the upper low/trough approaches during the afternoon into the evening, steepening midlevel lapse rates and surface dewpoints in the mid 50s F will support up to 1000 J/kg MLCAPE. Vertically veering wind profiles with around 40 kt effective shear magnitudes suggest isolated supercells will be possible with initial convection during the evening. More linear development may occur with time (toward 06z) as stronger large-scale ascent overspreads the region. Strong gusts, marginal hail and a tornado or two will be possible with this activity. ..Leitman.. 10/17/2024 Read more

SPC Oct 17, 2024 1730 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

1 month 1 week ago
SPC 1730Z Day 2 Outlook
Day 2 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1206 PM CDT Thu Oct 17 2024 Valid 181200Z - 191200Z ...THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PORTIONS OF THE SOUTHERN HIGH PLAINS... ...SUMMARY... Strong thunderstorms are possible Friday night across parts of eastern New Mexico near the Sangre de Cristo and Sacramento Mountains. Some may pose a risk for small to marginally severe hail, locally damaging wind gusts, and perhaps a tornado. ...Southwest into the Southern High Plains... An upper low will develop within the base of a western trough on Friday. This system will progress across the Southwest toward the Four Corners/southern Rockies vicinity by Saturday morning. As this occurs, moderate mid/upper south/southwesterly flow (40-60 kt at 500 mb) will overspread the southern Rockies and adjacent High Plains. At the surface, modest boundary layer moisture will spread across southern AZ on southerly low-level flow ahead of an eastward-advancing cold front. Steepening midlevel lapse rates within the developing mid/upper low may provide weak elevated instability and isolated thunderstorms are possible. Further east, southeasterly low-level flow will transport modest Gulf moisture northwest across western Texas into eastern New Mexico along a surface trough/dryline. As the upper low/trough approaches during the afternoon into the evening, steepening midlevel lapse rates and surface dewpoints in the mid 50s F will support up to 1000 J/kg MLCAPE. Vertically veering wind profiles with around 40 kt effective shear magnitudes suggest isolated supercells will be possible with initial convection during the evening. More linear development may occur with time (toward 06z) as stronger large-scale ascent overspreads the region. Strong gusts, marginal hail and a tornado or two will be possible with this activity. ..Leitman.. 10/17/2024 Read more

SPC Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook

1 month 1 week ago
SPC Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1157 AM CDT Thu Oct 17 2024 Valid 171700Z - 181200Z ...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER AREA FOR NORTHERN KANSAS...CENTRAL AND EASTERN NEBRASKA...SOUTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA...AND FAR WESTERN IOWA... The previous forecast remains on track, and only minor adjustments were made based on the latest surface observations. In particular, the Critical area was expanded slightly southward and eastward over northern KS, far northwest MO, and western IA. Morning surface observations already show RH falling into the middle/upper 20s over these areas, which combined with the strong sustained winds and dry fuels, will favor critical conditions through the afternoon. For additional details, see the previous discussion below. ..Weinman.. 10/17/2024 .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 0150 AM CDT Thu Oct 17 2024/ ...Synopsis... ...Central Plains... A mid-level ridge will amplify from the lower Mississippi Valley to the Great Lakes today with a closed mid-level low near the Carolina coast and a large trough across the western CONUS. This pattern will result in some lee troughing in the central Plains. The tighter pressure gradient will lead to strong winds in the Plains. A large area of elevated fire weather conditions is expected in the central/northern Plains and vicinity. A concentrated area of greater fire weather concerns will exist from northern Kansas to eastern Nebraska and into southeast South Dakota, far southwest Minnesota and western Iowa. There is significant uncertainty regarding the depth of the mixing and the lowest relative humidities in this area. However, a Critical delineation seems warranted, given the very dry fuels in the area and sustained winds of 25 to 30 mph with minimum relative humidities likely in the 20s. ...Northern Central Valley in California... A tightening pressure gradient and strong deep-layer northerly flow is forecast on the backside of an amplifying large-scale trough. This will promote around 20 mph sustained northerly surface winds amid 20 percent RH (locally lower) across the northern Central Valley in California. Given that fuels will likely be receptive by this afternoon (despite the light rainfall yesterday), elevated to locally critical conditions are expected. ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... Read more

SPC Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook

1 month 1 week ago
SPC Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1157 AM CDT Thu Oct 17 2024 Valid 171700Z - 181200Z ...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER AREA FOR NORTHERN KANSAS...CENTRAL AND EASTERN NEBRASKA...SOUTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA...AND FAR WESTERN IOWA... The previous forecast remains on track, and only minor adjustments were made based on the latest surface observations. In particular, the Critical area was expanded slightly southward and eastward over northern KS, far northwest MO, and western IA. Morning surface observations already show RH falling into the middle/upper 20s over these areas, which combined with the strong sustained winds and dry fuels, will favor critical conditions through the afternoon. For additional details, see the previous discussion below. ..Weinman.. 10/17/2024 .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 0150 AM CDT Thu Oct 17 2024/ ...Synopsis... ...Central Plains... A mid-level ridge will amplify from the lower Mississippi Valley to the Great Lakes today with a closed mid-level low near the Carolina coast and a large trough across the western CONUS. This pattern will result in some lee troughing in the central Plains. The tighter pressure gradient will lead to strong winds in the Plains. A large area of elevated fire weather conditions is expected in the central/northern Plains and vicinity. A concentrated area of greater fire weather concerns will exist from northern Kansas to eastern Nebraska and into southeast South Dakota, far southwest Minnesota and western Iowa. There is significant uncertainty regarding the depth of the mixing and the lowest relative humidities in this area. However, a Critical delineation seems warranted, given the very dry fuels in the area and sustained winds of 25 to 30 mph with minimum relative humidities likely in the 20s. ...Northern Central Valley in California... A tightening pressure gradient and strong deep-layer northerly flow is forecast on the backside of an amplifying large-scale trough. This will promote around 20 mph sustained northerly surface winds amid 20 percent RH (locally lower) across the northern Central Valley in California. Given that fuels will likely be receptive by this afternoon (despite the light rainfall yesterday), elevated to locally critical conditions are expected. ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... Read more
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