Severe Storm Outlook Narrative (AC)
Issued by NWS
Issued by NWS
735 ACUS02 KWNS 020502 SWODY2 SPC AC 020501 Day 2 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1201 AM CDT Sat May 02 2026 Valid 031200Z - 041200Z ...THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PORTIONS OF MISSOURI AND ILLINOIS... ...SUMMARY... A few strong thunderstorms are possible across parts of northern/central Missouri and central Illinois on Sunday. ...Lower MO/Mid-MS Valleys... Moderate deep-layer northwesterly flow will overspread the region as a series of shortwave impulses migrate through an upper trough oriented over the Midwest and eastern U.S. Temperatures aloft will be quite cold (around -20 C at 500 mb), resulting in steep midlevel lapse rates across the Mid-MS Valley region. At the surface, boundary layer moisture will remain limited in the wake of a prior cold frontal passage, resulting in Gulf moisture remaining well offshore. Most guidance suggests dewpoints in the 50s are possible along a corridor ahead of a weak surface front. While low-level moisture will be limited, steep midlevel lapse rates will foster 1000-2000 J/kg MLCAPE. Model guidance remains unclear with regard to convective initiation, but heating into the 70s will allow for an uncapped environment. While deep-layer flow will mostly remain unidirectional, speed shear will support supercell wind profiles with 35+ effective shear magnitudes and elongated hodographs. While overall storm coverage may remain low, and the risk is conditional, if storms develop, isolated large hail and locally strong gusts will be possible during the afternoon and evening. ..Leitman.. 05/02/2026 $$