Valid 181630Z – 191200Z
…THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM WEST
CENTRAL THROUGH NORTHWEST AND NORTH CENTRAL TX INTO SOUTH CENTRAL
OKLAHOMA…
CORRECTED FOR OUTLOOK WIND GRAPHIC
…SUMMARY…
Scattered severe thunderstorms are expected this afternoon through
tonight across parts of the southern and central Plains. Severe
wind gusts, large to very large hail, and tornadoes are possible.
…Southern Plains region…
Primary change to previous outlook has been to increase tornado
probabilities across west central into northwest through north
central TX area. An old outflow boundary will persist in this
region, but should become more diffuse with time. Several CAM runs
and especially the HRRR continue to initiate storms in warm sector
by late afternoon initially along the dryline across west central
TX. This initiation would be in advance of primary zone of forcing
associated with the shortwave trough currently moving through
northern Mexico. While 0-1 km shear will initially be weak/modest,
an increase in the low-level jet during the early evening within an
otherwise favorable deep-layer shear environment will support
potential for supercells with low-level mesocyclones, tornadoes and
very large hail as storms move northeast toward central through
northwest and north central TX this evening. Otherwise additional
storms will likely develop across west TX along retreating dryline
during the evening and spread east through TX and OK during the
overnight. The shear/instability parameter space will support
organized storms with potential for linear/bowing segments as well
as supercells capable of all severe hazards.
…Arizona…
A strong shortwave trough will rotate northeast through AZ this
afternoon accompanied by steep lapse rates and strong vertical
shear. Though weak instability will remain a limiting factor, a few
storms could pose a threat for mainly locally strong wind gusts and
marginally severe hail.
…Tennessee through Ohio Valley region…
Strong vertical shear accompanying a shortwave trough has spread
across TN and KY, but widespread showers/rain continue to limit
overall destabilization potential. Will maintain a marginal risk for
this region for now, but threat appears very conditional.
..Dial/Nauslar.. 03/18/2020
$$