459
FXUS64 KMEG 050930
AFDMEG

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Memphis TN
430 AM CDT Sun May 5 2024

...New SYNOPSIS, DISCUSSION...

.SYNOPSIS...
Issued at 430 AM CDT Sun May 5 2024

An active pattern is expected across the Mid-South this week with
several rounds of showers and thunderstorms beginning mainly this
afternoon and continuing into Thursday. A few strong to severe
thunderstorms are possible this afternoon with damaging winds and
large hail as the threats. Additional severe weather is possible
Tuesday and Wednesday. Temperatures will remain above normal
through mid-week with highs mainly in the 80s with lows in the 60s
and 70s. Cooler temperatures and drier weather is anticipated for
next weekend.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
(Today through Saturday)
Issued at 430 AM CDT Sun May 5 2024

GOES-16 Water Vapor satellite shows a mature MCS located across
Texas early this morning. This convective activity is associated
with a mid-level shortwave trough moving through the Southern
Plains. Meanwhile, mostly clear skies and a nearly saturated
boundary layer is resulting in some patchy fog at times
mainly across portions of West Tennessee near the Tennessee River.
Temperatures as of 3 AM CDT are in the 60s. Strong to severe
thunderstorm potential through mid-week is the predominant concern
in this morning`s forecast issuance.

Short-term models indicate the aforementioned mid-level shortwave
will move through the Lower Mississippi Valley today. Shower and
thunderstorm chances will gradually increase throughout the day
with the best chances occurring this afternoon into tonight.
Surface-based CAPE values increasing to between 1500-2000 J/kg
and 0-6 km Bulk Shear values between 25 to 30 kts support the
potential for a few strong to severe thunderstorms this afternoon
with damaging winds as the primary severe weather threat. Poor
700-500 mb lapse rates may mitigate the severe weather threat to
an extent.

Mid-range models continue to advertise a greater potential for
severe thunderstorms Tuesday and especially Wednesday. Showers and
thunderstorms are expected to develop upstream across western
Missouri and Arkansas Monday night and weaken as they begin to
move into the Mid-South towards Tuesday morning. Moderate
surface-based instability combined with ample shear and
moderately-steep to steep mid-level lapse rates will support
strong to severe thunderstorms where redevelopment occurs.

Some model differences still remain with the placement of a
surface low over the Middle Mississippi Valley on Wednesday.
Nonetheless, moderate to strong instability combined with deep
layer shear should be more than sufficient for severe
thunderstorms on Wednesday as a cold front approaches the Mid-
South. Large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes are possible.
Cooler and drier air will filter in to the region by the end of
the week with temperatures falling slightly below normal for early
May.

CJC

&&

.AVIATION...
(06Z TAFS)
Issued at 1132 PM CDT Sat May 4 2024

Mostly clear skies prevail. Patchy fog is likely, though areal
extent should be less than last night. Went with IFR/MVFR vsbys at
TAF sites later tonight. An upper level disturbance will bring
SHRAs and TSRAs to the region Sunday afternoon. Not quite
confident enough for a TEMPO but getting closer. Winds will be
fairly light outside of TSRAs.

&&

.MEG WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
AR...None.
MO...None.
MS...None.
TN...None.
&&

$$

PUBLIC FORECAST...CJC
AVIATION...SJM