TEXAS, USA — Multiple round of severe thunderstorms will impact Texas this week into the weekend. Damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes are all possible with the intense thunderstorms.
A favorable spring-like pattern has setup across the lower-48, which will allow for multiple rounds of thunderstorms over the coming days. Deep gulf moisture has surged north into Texas. This warm, moist air mass will help feed storms that develop across the region. Several "triggers" for storms will approach the region as the upper-levels of the atmosphere are ripe for thunderstorm initiation.
A potent storm system is out over the West Coast with a strong heat ridge over southeastern parts of the lower-48. This will allow areas of lift, which lead to thunderstorm development, to move out of southwestern parts of the country into Texas. Each area of lift will lead to thunderstorm development each afternoon.
Wednesday
Most of the thunderstorm activity will be north of Texas Wednesday afternoon. The severe threat is confided to central Oklahoma, northeast into Kansas and Missouri. The main hazards are gusty winds and hail.
Thursday
The severe threat shift south on Thursday. A Level I risk for severe thunderstorms exists into northwestern Texas. This includes Wichita Falls and Abilene. The main hazards are gusty winds and hail, but an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.
Friday
A higher risk for severe thunderstorms arrives Friday afternoon as the storm system over the West Coast moves east into the Desert Southwest. A Level 2 risk extends into northwestern Texas and the Texas Panhandle with a Level 1 risk surrounding the Level 2 risk. All modes of severe weather are possible. This includes tornadoes, hail, and wind.
Saturday
The severe risk increases over the weekend as the storm system moves toward the Plains. This will elevate the severe risk on Saturday with a Level 2 extending south of I-20. The Level 2 risk includes Dallas-Forth Worth, Abilene, and San Angelo. Tornadoes, hail, and wind are possible late-Saturday.
Sunday
The storm system moves into the Plains on Sunday, shifting the severe threat farther south and east. It is likely severe storms will continue overnight into Sunday morning just east of I-35, slightly weakening, before regaining strength Sunday afternoon, east of I-45. There is a Level 2 risk for eastern Texas. The Level 2 risk includes Texarkana and Tyler. The main hazard is wind but an isolated tornado and hail cannot be ruled out.
This is typical spring weather for Texas so do not panic. Just have a plan in place in case a warning is issued for your area. Make sure you have multiple sources to receive reliable weather information from over the coming days.
