Warmer, Storms Overnight

The weather will be rapidly changing today as a strong upper level disturbance moves through the central part of the country. Downstream ridging will dominate our weather this afternoon, which will mean warming temperatures aloft and at the surface. Additionally, as a surface high pressure located over the Ohio Valley moves east, southerly winds will begin to pump Gulf moisture into the region. A few high clouds will move through the area, and these will prevent us from reaching our maximum high potential. Still, highs should top out near 79 this afternoon.

A line of strong to severe thunderstorms will develop late this afternoon and evening ahead of a cold front from northeast Texas to Illinois. This line will march eastward overnight, but it will weaken as it encounters a slightly less unstable air mass to the east. Clouds will also increase and thicken this evening and overnight. It appears that we'll stay dry until after 2 a.m. when the line will begin to approach the area. Strong storms will be possible, but very limited instability will keep the storms below severe limits. Heavy rain, frequent lightning, and gusty winds will all be possible after 2 a.m. Lows will be near 64 tomorrow morning.