Tonight: Warm, humid air moving into the region will help create conditions that could support strong thunderstorms later today and this evening. The Storm Prediction Center has placed the area in a Marginal Risk for severe weather, meaning a few strong storms are possible. However, confidence remains low because it is uncertain whether storms will be able to develop. 

The most likely scenario is that thunderstorms form after 7 p.m., mainly south of Interstate 90 and east of Interstate 29. These storms could produce hail up to the size of ping-pong balls, wind gusts up to 70 mph, and brief heavy rainfall. 

A second, less likely scenario would see isolated severe storms develop as early as 5 p.m. along and east of Highway 81. If that happens, storms could produce golf ball-sized hail, 70 mph wind gusts, heavy rain, and there is a very small chance of a tornado. Any storms that form are expected to move east and leave the area by around 1 a.m. Saturday. 

Day 1 of the CCF: Saturday will be much cooler behind the cold front, with highs in the low to mid 70s. North winds will be light, and a few scattered light showers are possible, though rainfall amounts will be very small. 

Day 2 of the CCF: Sunday will stay cool, with temperatures mainly in the 60s. A few light showers are possible throughout the day, but rainfall is expected to remain light as shown below.

HRRR @ 7 AM on Sunday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 3 of the CCF: Monday, brings additional chances for showers and a few thunderstorms. While a stronger storm cannot be ruled out, confidence is low at this time. High temperatures Monday will be in the 70s. A better chance for strong to severe thunderstorms arrives Monday night.

After that, the weather pattern will remain active with periodic chances for showers and storms through the end of next week. Temperatures are expected to stay cooler than normal, with highs mainly in the 60s and low 70s throughout the week of the Clay County Fair.