Update: Plains Pattern Pivots Westward — Lubbock Slight Risk Today, South Dakota on Tuesday — SevereWX

Update: Plains Pattern Pivots Westward — Lubbock Slight Risk Today, South Dakota on Tuesday

We've been tracking the evolving severe weather setup across the Plains and beyond in recent posts, from Kansas-Oklahoma supercells to Mid-Atlantic storms. Now, the pattern is pivoting westward, with the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) issuing Slight Risks for today, Sunday, July 5, over Lubbock, Texas, and Tuesday, July 7, across South Dakota.

A Slight Risk from the SPC means isolated severe thunderstorms are possible in the highlighted areas. This is a step up from a Marginal Risk, indicating a small but notable chance for impactful weather, though most storms will remain sub-severe.

Primary hazards include damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph, isolated large hail around 1 inch in diameter, and a low-end tornado risk in the most unstable spots. Lubbock faces these isolated threats this afternoon and evening as storms develop along a lingering boundary. By Tuesday, South Dakota enters the spotlight with similar isolated severe potential amid a fresh shortwave trough.

If you're in these regions, stay tuned to your local National Weather Service office for the latest watches and warnings. Have a severe weather safety plan ready: identify a sturdy shelter, keep devices charged, and know your evacuation routes.

For detailed, AI-powered forecasts, check your city's outlook on SevereWX — start with Lubbock, TX. Stay safe out there!