Marginal Severe Storms Fade Across Plains and West — July 23 — SevereWX

LIVE Severe Weather Update: July 23, 2026

A Slight risk for severe thunderstorms covers parts of Texas, the southern High Plains from northeast New Mexico through southwest Kansas, the Columbia Basin, and portions of Colorado and Kansas today, according to the Storm Prediction Center. Multiple mesoscale discussions throughout the day highlight localized severe potential from damaging winds and large hail, though severe thunderstorm watches remain unlikely in most areas with probabilities around 20%. One later discussion raises the chance for a watch to 40% in eastern Colorado and western Kansas. Now into the late evening, severe thunderstorm activity prompts a warning across western Montana.

Timeline

12:52 PM EDT — Mesoscale Discussion for Middle Texas Coast

SPC meteorologists flag severe thunderstorm potential along portions of the middle Texas coast this afternoon. Storms in this area may produce strong wind gusts and hail, but the chance of needing a severe thunderstorm watch sits at just 20%. Activity remains isolated for now.

2:13 PM EDT — Mesoscale Discussion Covers NE New Mexico to SW Kansas

Another discussion outlines severe risks stretching from northeast New Mexico across southeast Colorado, the southwest Kansas area, and the Oklahoma Panhandle into early evening. Watch issuance looks unlikely here too, with storms expected to pulse up mainly damaging winds. Keep an eye on any intensification.

3:19 PM EDT — Mesoscale Discussion Issued for Columbia Basin

SPC turns attention to portions of the Columbia Basin in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, where severe thunderstorms pose a threat through late afternoon. Again, a watch is unlikely with low 20% odds. Gusty winds and isolated hail are the main concerns in developing storms.

6:33 PM EDT — Watch Possible for Eastern Colorado into Western Kansas

The latest mesoscale discussion raises concerns for portions of eastern Colorado extending into western Kansas, where a severe thunderstorm watch now carries a 40% probability of being needed. Storms could strengthen enough for significant hail or damaging winds over the next few hours. This marks the highest watch chance so far today.

11:10 PM EDT — Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Mineral and Missoula Counties, MT

A radar-indicated severe thunderstorm warning is in effect until 11:45 PM EDT across Mineral and Missoula counties in western Montana. Strong storms are capable of producing damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph. Take shelter if in the path.

11:43 PM EDT — Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Missoula

A severe thunderstorm warning is now in effect for Missoula, Montana, until 12:15 AM EDT. This storm may produce damaging wind gusts and large hail. Move indoors away from windows and stay alert for updates.

How It Ended

SPC mesoscale discussions expired without any severe thunderstorm watches issued, as probabilities remained low at 20-40%. Storms weakened rapidly after peak heating, moving out of vulnerable areas or dissipating. The severe weather threat fully concluded by evening with minimal impacts reported.