Supercells Charging Western Kansas with 2.5-Inch Hail, Severe Gusts Tonight — SevereWX

Thunderstorms are deepening amid hot, well-mixed air west of a dryline across southeastern Colorado and northeastern New Mexico. A subtle midlevel impulse is ushering these storms east-northeastward into a moist, unstable environment over western Kansas and the far northern Oklahoma Panhandle.

The Dodge City sounding reveals steep lapse rates, fueling robust outflows with loosely organized clusters and potential supercells under 30-40 kt effective shear. Severe wind gusts of 65-80 mph pose the primary threat, while isolated updrafts could produce large hail measuring 1.5-2.5 inches. Peak tornado intensity may reach 90 mph.

SPC's Mesoscale Discussion 1426 pegs watch issuance probability at 80% within the next few hours, valid through around 11 PM CDT. High-based storms should intensify rapidly, impacting parts of western Kansas, far southeastern Colorado, and the northern OK Panhandle.

Stay vigilant if you're in the path—monitor radar updates from NWS offices in DDC, GLD, AMA, and PUB. A watch could drop soon, followed by warnings as storms mature.

Prepare now: Review your severe weather plan, secure outdoor items, and know your safe shelter spot. Have NOAA Weather Radio or apps ready for alerts.