Front Range Supercells Load Up for Golf Ball Hail, 70 MPH Winds — SevereWX

Front Range Supercells Load Up for Golf Ball Hail, 70 MPH Winds

Strong daytime heating and upslope flow are firing widely scattered thunderstorms along the Colorado Front Range and Raton Mesa this afternoon, priming portions of the central High Plains for severe weather.

SPC's Mesoscale Discussion 1998 highlights 1500-2000 J/kg of MLCAPE fueling deeper updrafts, combined with 25-35+ kt effective shear from westerly flow aloft. This setup favors at least a couple of supercells, packing steep lapse rates over 7-7.5°C/km for 1.00-1.75 inch hail (quarter to golf ball size). Damaging wind gusts up to 55-70 mph are also in play, especially as storms shift to outflow-dominant clusters farther south where shear dips to 20-25 kts.

Lightning has already sparked within updrafts as of 1:33 PM CDT (1830Z), with activity ramping up through peak heating. The action centers on areas from the Front Range eastward, including vicinities covered by WFOs GLD, AMA, PUB, BOU, CYS, and ABQ.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch looms with 60% odds through 4:30 PM CDT (202030Z). Storms could clip populated corridors near Denver and beyond, blending hail cores with gusty downbursts.

Stay alert if you're in the path—hail this size dents vehicles and shatters windshields, while 70 mph winds topple trees and power lines. Preparedness tip: Have a severe weather plan ready, monitor local NWS warnings, park cars under cover, and seek shelter indoors away from windows if storms approach.

Track updates on SPC's site and radar loops for the latest.