Thunderstorms Target the Plains, Upper Midwest

With a large heat dome in pace over the Appalachians, its western edge will be the focal point of dangerous thunderstorms as a clash of air masses takes place.

A low pressure system will be found over the Central Plains today with a nearly stationary front found to its northeast into the Great Lakes. This low pressure and stationary front separates hot, humid air to the south and east from cooler, drier air filtering southward from western Canada. The collision of air masses will be where thunderstorms bubble up throughout the day.

The government’s Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms from the north-central U.S. into the Central Plains. This includes Madison, Wis., Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The greatest concerns with these thunderstorms will be damaging wind gusts exceeding 50 to 60 mph and large to very large hail. Even a few tornadoes cannot be ruled out.

The best way to remain safe is to stay prepared and informed about your local weather. Have a severe weather kit packed with a battery-operated radio, water, and non-perishable food items should you be without power for long periods of time. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today's severe weather. Remember, "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!"