Tracking Tuesday evening strong storms
Tuesday is a KQ2 Action Alert Day as showers and thunderstorms move through the region, with the greatest potential for severe weather expected Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning.
A line of showers and thunderstorms is moving southeast from southeastern Nebraska into northwest Missouri early Tuesday. Some stronger wind gusts are possible, but the system is showing signs of weakening as it moves through the area.
The morning commute will remain wet, with scattered showers, heavier pockets of rain and occasional rumbles of thunder. Storm activity should become more scattered around lunchtime, with additional showers and thunderstorms possible through the afternoon and evening.
Severe weather threat increases tonight
The primary severe weather threat is expected from about 9 p.m. Tuesday through 4 a.m. Wednesday.
The region remains under a Slight Risk, or Level 2 out of 5, for severe weather, mainly from U.S. 36 southward into northeastern Kansas and portions of northwest Missouri.
Strong to severe storms could initially develop as isolated cells before organizing into a line. The main threats will be:
- Damaging wind gusts
- Large to medium-sized hail
- An isolated tornado
What we're watching
There is still some uncertainty surrounding Tuesday's severe weather setup.
First, the morning storms will play an important role. If they weaken and skies clear enough by midday, the atmosphere could warm and destabilize, providing more energy for stronger storms later.
The exact location and track of the evening storms also remains uncertain, with forecast models showing some differences. The severe threat has shifted farther south compared with earlier forecasts, but portions of Buchanan, Platte and Clay counties, along with areas south of U.S. 36 and northeastern Kansas, remain within the risk area.
For now, residents should remain weather aware Tuesday, particularly Tuesday evening through the overnight hours.
Behind the system, temperatures will fall into the lower 80s Wednesday and Thursday before warming back up heading into the weekend. Tuesday's high is expected to reach around 86 degrees.
