A severe weather outbreak remains possible Monday across much of Iowa.Here's what to know:Northern Iowa has a Level 4 of 5 risk for severe stormsSevere weather is possible from roughly 3 p.m. to 12 a.m.Monday's storms could be very strong, but isolated Significant severe weather possibleA "moderate" or Level 4 of 5 severe weather risk remains in place for northern Iowa — specifically areas north of Highway 20.The rest of the state remains in a Level 3, or "enhanced" risk for severe storms.This elevated risk is due to significant amounts of heat, moisture, and wind shear that will arrive Monday. Temperatures will top 80°, humidity levels will be the highest yet this spring, and winds will gust around 40 mph. Aloft, a ribbon of wind called a jet streak will further enhance the atmosphere's wind shear.All this means the atmosphere will be primed to produce tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail — IF storms can ignite. Number of storms could be limitedWhile the ingredients are there for severe weather, it's not certain storms will actually be that widespread. The main limitation will be a lack of obvious triggers in Iowa to help storms start. Low pressure will be centered well to our north in Minnesota. The most likely feature to watch will be a boundary called a dry line moving into Iowa from Nebraska later in the afternoon.This dry line could set off storms that travel eastward through Iowa. Long window of storm potentialStorms likely won't start up until mid-to-late afternoon Monday. Northern/northwest Iowa will be the first area to watch. The approaching dry line will approach areas like Pocahontas and Emmetsburg around 3-5 p.m. Storms could fire then and zoom east-northeast north of Hwy. 20 into the evening. Farther south, the likelihood of storms is more questionable. The previously mentioned boundary will eventually travel through the rest of Iowa. For the southern two-thirds of the state, 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. is the current window to watch. By midnight, the threat should be move out of southeast Iowa, leaving us quiet the rest of the night. Some schools could let out earlyWith the storms expected to hit mid- to late afternoon in many areas, some schools may release their students early. As of 9 p.m. Sunday, only Belmond-Klemme schools in Wright County have made that decision. Belmond-Klemme will release two hours early and all evening activities are canceled.
DES MOINES, Iowa — A severe weather outbreak remains possible Monday across much of Iowa.
Here's what to know:
- Northern Iowa has a Level 4 of 5 risk for severe storms
- Severe weather is possible from roughly 3 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- Monday's storms could be very strong, but isolated
Significant severe weather possible
A "moderate" or Level 4 of 5 severe weather risk remains in place for northern Iowa — specifically areas north of Highway 20.
Hearst Owned
Significant severe weather is possible today across northern Iowa, with a few scattered storms for the rest of the state.
The rest of the state remains in a Level 3, or "enhanced" risk for severe storms.
This elevated risk is due to significant amounts of heat, moisture, and wind shear that will arrive Monday. Temperatures will top 80°, humidity levels will be the highest yet this spring, and winds will gust around 40 mph. Aloft, a ribbon of wind called a jet streak will further enhance the atmosphere's wind shear.
All this means the atmosphere will be primed to produce tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail — IF storms can ignite.
Hearst Owned
Very large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes will be possible with any storms today.
Number of storms could be limited
While the ingredients are there for severe weather, it's not certain storms will actually be that widespread.
The main limitation will be a lack of obvious triggers in Iowa to help storms start. Low pressure will be centered well to our north in Minnesota. The most likely feature to watch will be a boundary called a dry line moving into Iowa from Nebraska later in the afternoon.
This dry line could set off storms that travel eastward through Iowa.
Long window of storm potential
Storms likely won't start up until mid-to-late afternoon Monday.
Northern/northwest Iowa will be the first area to watch. The approaching dry line will approach areas like Pocahontas and Emmetsburg around 3-5 p.m. Storms could fire then and zoom east-northeast north of Hwy. 20 into the evening.
Farther south, the likelihood of storms is more questionable.
The previously mentioned boundary will eventually travel through the rest of Iowa. For the southern two-thirds of the state, 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. is the current window to watch.
By midnight, the threat should be move out of southeast Iowa, leaving us quiet the rest of the night.
Hearst Owned
Several questions remain on how widespread storms will be Monday, but any storms that form could be severe.
Some schools could let out early
With the storms expected to hit mid- to late afternoon in many areas, some schools may release their students early. As of 9 p.m. Sunday, only Belmond-Klemme schools in Wright County have made that decision. Belmond-Klemme will release two hours early and all evening activities are canceled.
