SEVERE T-STORM WATCH in effect until 5 PM —

SEVERE T-STORM WATCH for much of SW MO & NW AR until 5 PM. Conditions are ripe and the atmosphere is fueled, ready to churn strong and severe thunderstorms. Main threats will be tennis ball size hail, 70 mph damaging winds, and an isolated tornado can’t be ruled out. Heavy rain & flash flooding also a concern. Remember, stay away from windows during severe storms.

FLASH FLOOD WATCH is in effect through 7 AM Thursday along/ southeast of I-44 where another 1-3″+ is likely, rain totals up to 5″+ possible. This would cause flash floods. Rivers, creeks are most susceptible to flooding.

As the front approaches from the west, waves of storms will ride areas along/ south of the front — which happens to be in line with I-44. Storms will be likely southeast of the interstate today, coming in rounds with little breaks in between.

There will be ample instability, or fuel for storms from a warm, humid air mass, in place. The wind energy is there, but not as impressive. This will lead to a severe threat that includes 70 mph damaging winds, golf ball size hail, and isolated tornadoes. Frequent lightning and heavy rain will also be threats. Flash flooding will likely be the most widespread concern.

Timing for severe storms is after 12 PM through the evening hours, wrapping up by 7-9 PM. The tornado threat will be a much smaller window, from about 3 PM to 7 PM.

Storms work to exit east overnight. Temperatures drop from highs around 80 degrees to lows around 60 degrees.

Tomorrow will finally be quiet! A few storms could linger in the morning, but rain clears and skies should be partly to mostly sunny. Highs will be cooler in the middle 70’s.

Warm, seasonal sunshine returns on Friday with highs in the 80’s.

Spotty storms are possible through the weekend. No day will be a washout and the severe threat looks limited. Highs stay warm in the lower 80’s.