Tuesday Outlook

The long anticipated trough that moved onshore of the Western U.S. over the weekend is slowly moving into our area but also lifting off to the north. This is causing the energy to weaken, but there will still be plenty available for a cold front to tap the high moisture reservoir and produce rain and thunderstorms across the area today.

It's already been a rough ride early this morning for residents in Columbus as a severe thunderstorm produced structural and tree damage across the town. While I don't expect a big severe weather outbreak today, a few severe storms are possible with wind shear and marginal instability present. Probabilities of severe thunderstorms will increase if there is a prolonged period of sun this morning and afternoon. This may be more likely to our south and west where it appears that area will see the best combination of instability and shear. Regardless, given the tropical nature of the air mass over the area, showers and thunderstorms are likely at any point today. The best chance for rain and heavy rain will likely hold off until late tonight and early Wednesday morning as the cold front moves through.

Today will be mostly cloudy will a few peaks of sun possible this afternoon. Pack your umbrella with you because scattered showers and storms are possible at just about any point, but the heaviest activity will occur late tonight and early Wednesday morning. An isolated severe storm is possible in our area, but the best chances will be to our south and west. Temperatures are tricky because of the clouds and rain around the area. If we manage to get a few peaks of sun, highs could top out near 80, but if rain and clouds are around for most of the day, highs will only be in the mid 70s. When you wake up tomorrow, the low will be in the upper 60s, but showers may linger through late tomorrow morning.

If you're wondering whether this cold front will give us another taste of fall, the answer is not this time. This front is Pacific in nature meaning that temperatures will be moderated behind the front, but it will dry us out and allow for cool mornings again. I'll post an update later today if it looks like severe weather will become more possible.