Severe Storms Possible Today, Severe Cold Thanksgiving Day

Could get interesting this afternoon and into the overnight hours as storms will be developing and some will be severe. Not only is there a potential for damaging winds and hail, but isolated tornadoes are not out of the question either. Strongly suggest keeping a close eye on the weather if you are out and about as these storms will likely develop rapidly during the afternoon, then become a more organized line of storms as a cold front moves through tonight.

Strong southerly winds in advance of the cold front have pushed temperatures well into the 70s and dew points into the 60s. That is quite a change from yesterday, notice the 24 hour temperature change map to the right. The strength of the winds at the surface and aloft is what we refer to as a strongly dynamic environment. The very warm and humid conditions also contribute to what we often refer to as an unstable environment. Quite frankly, conditions today are very similar to what we see in Springtime.

These storms will be followed by much colder air that will be moving across the state during the overnight hours. The morning of Thanksgiving Day will see temperatures near or below freezing in many locations and wind chill values generally in the teens. There is a narrow window of opportunity for some locations to still have some lingering light precipitation when the temperatures drop below freezing, but the very warm ground temperatures will preclude any travel issues. Also, amounts by that time will be extremely light so no issues with regard to power lines and trees are anticipated either.

As the day wears on, our skies should be gradually clearing from west to east, but temperatures will struggle to get out of the 30s. Wind chill values during the afternoon will likely be in the 20s, so quite a change from today.

Friday morning will be the coldest so far this season with teens and low 20s followed by a gradual warming trend going through the weekend. The next weather maker looks to be arriving along about Monday followed by another pretty good cool-down for Tuesday of next week.

As always, stay tuned and check back for updates.

Dick Faurot