Eastward High Plains Storms Gear Up for 80 MPH Gust Clusters — SevereWX

Eastward High Plains Storms Gear Up for 80 MPH Gust Clusters

Thunderstorms firing off the high terrain in southeastern Wyoming and central Colorado are marching eastward across the central High Plains, setting the stage for damaging wind gusts up to 80 mph and large hail to 1.75 inches this evening.

The SPC's Mesoscale Discussion 1558 highlights how southeasterly upslope flow and a subtle mid-level perturbation are fueling storm development. Expect these storms to grow in coverage, with steep low-level lapse rates and a dry, well-mixed boundary layer promoting evaporative cooling. Cold pools will merge, leading to upscale growth into linear clusters or segments—prime setups for severe straight-line winds.

A surface moisture gradient adds intrigue: dewpoints rise from the 40s-50s F near the Foothills to the low-to-mid 60s F in western Kansas and Nebraska. Modest effective shear of 25-30 knots may slow organization, but deep westerly flow aloft will drive the eastward push. With an 80% chance of one or more Severe Thunderstorm Watches, timing hinges on how quickly storms intensify.

Peak threats: wind gusts of 65-80 mph and hail of 1-1.75 inches. Areas from portions of Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, and Wyoming could see action through late evening.

Stay prepared: Monitor local NWS updates, have a weather app ready, secure outdoor items, and know your safe spot for sudden severe storms.