Severe storms could bring large hail, damaging winds to the Southern Plains and Midwest this weekend
As the ridge of high pressure caught in the Central U.S. breaks down, it will likely allow for a series of compact storm systems to form in the Rockies and into the Plains.
Severe storms could bring large hail, damaging winds to the Southern Plains and Midwest
Severe weather is expected to make a return from the Southern Plains into the Midwest as a stagnant weather pattern parks itself over the U.S. this week.
Severe weather is expected to make a return from the Southern Plains into the Midwest as a stagnant weather pattern parks itself over the U.S. this week.
An Omega block weather pattern is starting to take hold across the U.S., leaving various regions under the same conditions all week long.
OMEGA BLOCK EXPECTED TO LEAVE MAJORITY OF US IN A LULL OF STAGNANT WEATHER THIS WEEK
Omega block weather patterns get their name because the upper air pattern looks like the Greek letter omega (Ω).
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As the ridge of high pressure caught in the middle of the country breaks down, it will likely allow for a series of compact storm systems to form in the Rockies and into the Plains.
This transition effectively reopens the "storm corridor" as the departing high pressure ridge makes room for a much more active and progressive jet stream.
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As these systems emerge from the West, they will quickly begin to pull rich, unstable moisture from the Gulf of America northward into the heart of the country.
This moisture, combined with the energy of the incoming Pacific systems, will set the stage for the potential return of severe weather.
While the early part of the week may feel relatively quiet, the Plains should be prepared for an active stretch of weather by this weekend.
NOAA's Storm Prediction Center highlights Saturday as a day to watch with a Level 2 out of 5 severe storm threat in place. This threat includes areas such as Wichita, Oklahoma City and Wichita Falls.
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The biggest risk for storms that do develop are large hail and damaging winds, but a few tornadoes are also possible.
The Omega block weather pattern is also paving the way for soaring temperatures in the Central U.S.
TRIPLE-DIGIT HEAT RETURNS TO THE WEST AS DOZENS OF MAJOR CITIES EYE RECORD-BREAKING TEMPERATURES
As the week progresses, additional days with severe weather impacts are possible.
(FOX Weather)
The FOX Forecast Center said above-average rain appears likely for the back half of May.
HOW HIGH PRESSURE AND LOW PRESSURE DRIVE THE WEATHER
Stay with FOX Weather for the latest on this weekend's potential storms.