2-Inch Hail, 75 MPH Winds Loom Over Dakotas and Utah Today — SevereWX
2-Inch Hail, 75 MPH Winds Loom Over Dakotas and Utah Today
Afternoon severe threats are ramping up fast across two key regions, with the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) eyeing watches soon for storms packing 2-inch hail and 75 mph gusts in the Dakotas alongside large hail and damaging winds pushing into Utah and nearby states.
In southeast North Dakota, western South Dakota, and the Nebraska Panhandle, early thunderstorms are bubbling up over the Black Hills, fueled by daytime heating and a surface low. Expect these to intensify mid-to-late afternoon into supercells or organized clusters capable of tennis-ball-sized hail (up to 2 inches) and severe wind gusts to 75 mph. High instability (1500-2000 J/kg CAPE) and incoming stronger winds aloft will sharpen storm structure, raising the severe risk.
Meanwhile, northeast Nevada, northern Utah, southeast Idaho, and southwest Wyoming are seeing cumulus towers and initial storms from orographic lift in higher terrain. As temps climb to the upper 80s with dewpoints in the 40s-50s, 500-1000 J/kg CAPE will spark more widespread development. West-southwesterly winds (30-40 knots) will steer discrete cells into richer moisture, promoting upscale growth with threats of large hail early and severe winds later as storms cluster.
Both areas share 60% odds for severe thunderstorm watches within 1-2 hours, signaling SPC's confidence in quick escalation.
What’s a Mesoscale Discussion?
For everyday folks, an SPC Mesoscale Discussion (MD) is like an early heads-up: meteorologists spot fast-changing conditions (on the "mesoscale"—tens of miles) hinting at severe weather. It’s not a watch or warning yet, but it often precedes one, urging you to stay alert via radar apps or local NWS updates.
Prep now: Charge devices, secure outdoor items, know your safe spot (interior room, away from windows), and monitor SevereWX.net or NOAA Weather Radio. If storms hit, heed warnings—large hail can wreck vehicles, and 70+ mph winds topple trees.
Stay safe out there—summer severe season is heating up!
City forecasts