SPC 1300Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0734 AM CDT Mon Mar 09 2026
Valid 091300Z - 101200Z
...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM THE ARKLATEX
AND MID-SOUTH INTO THE SOUTHEAST...
...SUMMARY...
Severe thunderstorms are possible from the Arklatex and Mid-South
through the Southeast.
...Synopsis...
Early-morning satellite imagery shows a low-amplitude shortwave
trough moving through the TX Panhandle, embedded within the westerly
flow aloft well downstream from an upper low off the Baja California
Coast. This shortwave trough is forecast to progress eastward
throughout the day, reaching the Mid-South by this evening and the
southern Appalachians by early tomorrow. Enhanced mid-level flow
(i.e. 500 mb winds around 50 kt) will accompany this wave, spreading
eastward in tandem with the progression of the wave.
Recent surface analysis shows a relatively moist airmass already in
place from the southern Plains through much of the Southeast. Mid
60s dewpoints currently extend from the TX Coastal Plain through
east TX and over much of LA. This moist airmass is expected to
advect quickly northward/northeastward throughout the day, largely
in response to strengthening low to mid-level flow downstream of the
increasing westerlies across the Plains. Ascent attendant to the
embedded shortwave coupled with the increasing moisture and buoyancy
will likely result in thunderstorm development from the Arklatex and
Mid-South through much the Southeast.
...Arklatex/Mid-South through the Southeast...
A diffuse stationary front currently extends from east-central OK
into northern AL before shifting more northeastward across eastern
TN. Modest warm-air advection is ongoing throughout the western
portion of this boundary, supported by the increasing low to
mid-level flow just ahead of the shortwave trough mentioned in the
synopsis. Isolated thunderstorms have already developed across
southeast OK, and this is likely the beginning of a thunderstorm
cluster that is expected to develop from the Arklatex into the
Mid-South vicinity this morning. Steep mid-level lapse rates and
moderate vertical shear suggest some hail is possible with this
early activity. Recently issued MCD #0177 provides additional
information for this early morning activity.
Most of the guidance suggests that the resulting thunderstorm
cluster becomes increasingly organized with time, growing upscale
into an MCS before then progressing across northern MS and northern
AL. The preceding airmass should be moderately moist and buoyant,
with dewpoints likely in the mid 60s and MLCAPE around 1000 to 1500
J/kg. Moderate vertical shear should be in place as well, with the
resulting conditions supportive of MCS maintenance through the
afternoon. The same conditions will support robust updrafts capable
of large hail and damaging gusts. Additional, more cellular activity
is possible in the wake of the main MCS, with conditions remaining
favorable for hail. Overall tornado potential appears to be limited
by the likely linear mode as well as the relatively weak low-level
flow. Even so, the modest low-level curvature expected supports a
low-probability tornado threat.
...Southern AZ...
A strong upper low is forecast to advance toward the northern Baja
Peninsula by 10/00z before shifting into northwest Mexico by the end
of the period. Steep lapse rates are forecast across southern AZ
within a favorable zone for large-scale ascent. Thermodynamic
profiles suggest scattered convection will develop and spread north
across this region. Forecast soundings show limited buoyancy,
suggesting this activity should struggle to attain severe levels.
Even so, small hail and gusty winds could accompany the strongest,
most persistent updrafts.
..Mosier/Dean.. 03/09/2026
Read more
Day 4-8 Outlook
Day 4-8 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0331 AM CDT Mon Mar 09 2026
Valid 121200Z - 171200Z
...DISCUSSION...
...Day 4/Thu...
Some low-end severe thunderstorm risk could persist into Day 4/Thu
across portions of the Southeast as an upper trough pivots toward
the Atlantic coast in tandem with an eastward-advancing surface cold
front. Ahead of the front, a moist airmass will be in place from
GA/FL northeast toward southeast VA. Convection will likely be
ongoing Thursday morning, and persistent warm advection will result
in widespread cloudiness. This will limit destabilization and lapse
rates are expected to remain modest. Overall, severe potential
appears less than 15 percent.
...Days 5-8/Fri-Mon...
Severe thunderstorm potential appears low Friday and Saturday as a
prior cold frontal passage into the Gulf leaves a dearth of boundary
layer moisture in its wake. Another upper trough is expected to
deepen over the Plains and the eastern U.S. late in the period. Some
moisture return may occur ahead of this feature before another cold
front develops southeast across the eastern half of the CONUS. This
could bring some increasing thunderstorm potential to parts of the
south-central or southeast U.S., however, at this time any better
moisture return looks displaced to the south of stronger flow aloft.
Read more
Day 4-8 Outlook
Day 4-8 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0331 AM CDT Mon Mar 09 2026
Valid 121200Z - 171200Z
...DISCUSSION...
...Day 4/Thu...
Some low-end severe thunderstorm risk could persist into Day 4/Thu
across portions of the Southeast as an upper trough pivots toward
the Atlantic coast in tandem with an eastward-advancing surface cold
front. Ahead of the front, a moist airmass will be in place from
GA/FL northeast toward southeast VA. Convection will likely be
ongoing Thursday morning, and persistent warm advection will result
in widespread cloudiness. This will limit destabilization and lapse
rates are expected to remain modest. Overall, severe potential
appears less than 15 percent.
...Days 5-8/Fri-Mon...
Severe thunderstorm potential appears low Friday and Saturday as a
prior cold frontal passage into the Gulf leaves a dearth of boundary
layer moisture in its wake. Another upper trough is expected to
deepen over the Plains and the eastern U.S. late in the period. Some
moisture return may occur ahead of this feature before another cold
front develops southeast across the eastern half of the CONUS. This
could bring some increasing thunderstorm potential to parts of the
south-central or southeast U.S., however, at this time any better
moisture return looks displaced to the south of stronger flow aloft.
Read more
Day 4-8 Outlook
Day 4-8 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0331 AM CDT Mon Mar 09 2026
Valid 121200Z - 171200Z
...DISCUSSION...
...Day 4/Thu...
Some low-end severe thunderstorm risk could persist into Day 4/Thu
across portions of the Southeast as an upper trough pivots toward
the Atlantic coast in tandem with an eastward-advancing surface cold
front. Ahead of the front, a moist airmass will be in place from
GA/FL northeast toward southeast VA. Convection will likely be
ongoing Thursday morning, and persistent warm advection will result
in widespread cloudiness. This will limit destabilization and lapse
rates are expected to remain modest. Overall, severe potential
appears less than 15 percent.
...Days 5-8/Fri-Mon...
Severe thunderstorm potential appears low Friday and Saturday as a
prior cold frontal passage into the Gulf leaves a dearth of boundary
layer moisture in its wake. Another upper trough is expected to
deepen over the Plains and the eastern U.S. late in the period. Some
moisture return may occur ahead of this feature before another cold
front develops southeast across the eastern half of the CONUS. This
could bring some increasing thunderstorm potential to parts of the
south-central or southeast U.S., however, at this time any better
moisture return looks displaced to the south of stronger flow aloft.
Read more
SPC 0730Z Day 3 Outlook
Day 3 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0220 AM CDT Mon Mar 09 2026
Valid 111200Z - 121200Z
...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM THE ARKLATEX
AND LOWER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY NORTHEAST THROUGH THE OHIO VALLEY...
...SUMMARY...
Isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms are possible on Wednesday
from the ArkLaTex and Lower Mississippi Valley northeastward through
the Ohio Valley vicinity.
...East Texas northeast to the Ohio Valley vicinity...
A split-flow regime will continue into Wednesday, with upper
troughing over the central U.S. remaining bifurcated through much of
the period. In the southern branch, a closed low/upper shortwave
trough will migrate from TX to the Lower MS Valley. Meanwhile, the
northern stream upper trough over the northern Plains/Upper Midwest
will develop east across the Upper Great Lakes/Midwest. Ahead of
these features, strong southwesterly deep-layer flow will extend
from east TX into the Mid-Atlantic/New England. At the surface, a
cold front will extend southwest from a surface low over southern
Lower MI into western OK. This front will advance southeast through
the period, becoming oriented from the Mid-Atlantic coast to the
central Gulf coast by Thursday morning.
Strong warm advection ahead of the front will transport Gulf
moisture as far north as the Mid-Atlantic and southern New England.
Ongoing convection is expected ahead of the front across portions of
the ArkLaTex into the Midwest. This, along with the warm advection
regime resulting in widespread cloudiness, lends to uncertainty in
how the downstream airmass will destabilize, especially with
northeast extent into parts of the Ohio Valley vicinity. Somewhat
stronger destabilization is likely across the Lower MS Valley where
richer Gulf moisture will reside. Strong vertical wind profiles will
support damaging wind potential with even modest instability. Linear
convection is the most likely storm mode given deep-layer flow
parallel to the surface boundary and strong large-scale ascent
overspreading the boundary. If discrete cells can form, some tornado
potential will exist closer to a deepening surface cyclone in the
vicinity of the upper Ohio Valley, and perhaps near a secondary
surface low over the lower MS Valley, though this scenario remains
highly uncertain.
..Leitman.. 03/09/2026
Read more
SPC 0730Z Day 3 Outlook
Day 3 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0220 AM CDT Mon Mar 09 2026
Valid 111200Z - 121200Z
...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM THE ARKLATEX
AND LOWER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY NORTHEAST THROUGH THE OHIO VALLEY...
...SUMMARY...
Isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms are possible on Wednesday
from the ArkLaTex and Lower Mississippi Valley northeastward through
the Ohio Valley vicinity.
...East Texas northeast to the Ohio Valley vicinity...
A split-flow regime will continue into Wednesday, with upper
troughing over the central U.S. remaining bifurcated through much of
the period. In the southern branch, a closed low/upper shortwave
trough will migrate from TX to the Lower MS Valley. Meanwhile, the
northern stream upper trough over the northern Plains/Upper Midwest
will develop east across the Upper Great Lakes/Midwest. Ahead of
these features, strong southwesterly deep-layer flow will extend
from east TX into the Mid-Atlantic/New England. At the surface, a
cold front will extend southwest from a surface low over southern
Lower MI into western OK. This front will advance southeast through
the period, becoming oriented from the Mid-Atlantic coast to the
central Gulf coast by Thursday morning.
Strong warm advection ahead of the front will transport Gulf
moisture as far north as the Mid-Atlantic and southern New England.
Ongoing convection is expected ahead of the front across portions of
the ArkLaTex into the Midwest. This, along with the warm advection
regime resulting in widespread cloudiness, lends to uncertainty in
how the downstream airmass will destabilize, especially with
northeast extent into parts of the Ohio Valley vicinity. Somewhat
stronger destabilization is likely across the Lower MS Valley where
richer Gulf moisture will reside. Strong vertical wind profiles will
support damaging wind potential with even modest instability. Linear
convection is the most likely storm mode given deep-layer flow
parallel to the surface boundary and strong large-scale ascent
overspreading the boundary. If discrete cells can form, some tornado
potential will exist closer to a deepening surface cyclone in the
vicinity of the upper Ohio Valley, and perhaps near a secondary
surface low over the lower MS Valley, though this scenario remains
highly uncertain.
..Leitman.. 03/09/2026
Read more
SPC 0730Z Day 3 Outlook
Day 3 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0220 AM CDT Mon Mar 09 2026
Valid 111200Z - 121200Z
...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM THE ARKLATEX
AND LOWER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY NORTHEAST THROUGH THE OHIO VALLEY...
...SUMMARY...
Isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms are possible on Wednesday
from the ArkLaTex and Lower Mississippi Valley northeastward through
the Ohio Valley vicinity.
...East Texas northeast to the Ohio Valley vicinity...
A split-flow regime will continue into Wednesday, with upper
troughing over the central U.S. remaining bifurcated through much of
the period. In the southern branch, a closed low/upper shortwave
trough will migrate from TX to the Lower MS Valley. Meanwhile, the
northern stream upper trough over the northern Plains/Upper Midwest
will develop east across the Upper Great Lakes/Midwest. Ahead of
these features, strong southwesterly deep-layer flow will extend
from east TX into the Mid-Atlantic/New England. At the surface, a
cold front will extend southwest from a surface low over southern
Lower MI into western OK. This front will advance southeast through
the period, becoming oriented from the Mid-Atlantic coast to the
central Gulf coast by Thursday morning.
Strong warm advection ahead of the front will transport Gulf
moisture as far north as the Mid-Atlantic and southern New England.
Ongoing convection is expected ahead of the front across portions of
the ArkLaTex into the Midwest. This, along with the warm advection
regime resulting in widespread cloudiness, lends to uncertainty in
how the downstream airmass will destabilize, especially with
northeast extent into parts of the Ohio Valley vicinity. Somewhat
stronger destabilization is likely across the Lower MS Valley where
richer Gulf moisture will reside. Strong vertical wind profiles will
support damaging wind potential with even modest instability. Linear
convection is the most likely storm mode given deep-layer flow
parallel to the surface boundary and strong large-scale ascent
overspreading the boundary. If discrete cells can form, some tornado
potential will exist closer to a deepening surface cyclone in the
vicinity of the upper Ohio Valley, and perhaps near a secondary
surface low over the lower MS Valley, though this scenario remains
highly uncertain.
..Leitman.. 03/09/2026
Read more
SPC Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0218 AM CDT Mon Mar 09 2026
Valid 101200Z - 111200Z
...Synopsis...
The upper low over northern Mexico will eject eastward into the
southern Plains D2/Tuesday. At the surface, a lee cyclone will
intensify and move eastward across parts of KS/OK dragging a
trailing dryline with it over parts of the southern Plains. East of
the dryline, rich low-level moisture and widespread
showers/thunderstorms are expected. Dry and breezy conditions behind
the dryline and east of the upper low appear likely to support some
fire-weather potential.
...Southern High Plains...
As the upper low over the Southwest moves northeastward, strong flow
aloft and ascent will overspread parts of the southern High Plains.
A surface low will deepen with a surface trough/dryline supporting
dry downslope flow across the southern Rockies and High Plains on D2
(Tuesday afternoon). Gusty west/southwest winds of 15-25 mph are
expected along with afternoon humidity of 20-25%. This should
support elevated fire-weather conditions across parts of West TX,
the Rio Grande Valley and far eastern NM where fuels remain dry and
receptive.
The potential for precipitation and the location of the dryline
remain a significant source of uncertainty on the overall areal
extent and magnitude of the fire-weather threat D2/Tuesday. Showers
and thunderstorms are expected both to the west and east of the
dryline. Cloud cover and increasing humidity may also limit the
potential for more intense fire-weather conditions despite
relatively strong surface winds. Changes will likely be needed to
the eastern extent of the Elevated area as details surrounding
dryline and precipitation placement become clearer on Day1/Monday.
While storms are likely over central NM, relatively modest moisture
profiles (PWATS generally under 0.6 inches) suggest a few of these
storms may not be overly productive for wetting rainfall. With steep
low-level lapse rates and modest buoyancy, a few lightning strikes
are possible. These storms could be drier with the potential for
lightning to interact with receptive fuels. However, dry
thunderstorm coverage appears too low to introduce probabilities at
this time.
..Lyons.. 03/09/2026
...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product...
Read more
SPC Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0218 AM CDT Mon Mar 09 2026
Valid 101200Z - 111200Z
...Synopsis...
The upper low over northern Mexico will eject eastward into the
southern Plains D2/Tuesday. At the surface, a lee cyclone will
intensify and move eastward across parts of KS/OK dragging a
trailing dryline with it over parts of the southern Plains. East of
the dryline, rich low-level moisture and widespread
showers/thunderstorms are expected. Dry and breezy conditions behind
the dryline and east of the upper low appear likely to support some
fire-weather potential.
...Southern High Plains...
As the upper low over the Southwest moves northeastward, strong flow
aloft and ascent will overspread parts of the southern High Plains.
A surface low will deepen with a surface trough/dryline supporting
dry downslope flow across the southern Rockies and High Plains on D2
(Tuesday afternoon). Gusty west/southwest winds of 15-25 mph are
expected along with afternoon humidity of 20-25%. This should
support elevated fire-weather conditions across parts of West TX,
the Rio Grande Valley and far eastern NM where fuels remain dry and
receptive.
The potential for precipitation and the location of the dryline
remain a significant source of uncertainty on the overall areal
extent and magnitude of the fire-weather threat D2/Tuesday. Showers
and thunderstorms are expected both to the west and east of the
dryline. Cloud cover and increasing humidity may also limit the
potential for more intense fire-weather conditions despite
relatively strong surface winds. Changes will likely be needed to
the eastern extent of the Elevated area as details surrounding
dryline and precipitation placement become clearer on Day1/Monday.
While storms are likely over central NM, relatively modest moisture
profiles (PWATS generally under 0.6 inches) suggest a few of these
storms may not be overly productive for wetting rainfall. With steep
low-level lapse rates and modest buoyancy, a few lightning strikes
are possible. These storms could be drier with the potential for
lightning to interact with receptive fuels. However, dry
thunderstorm coverage appears too low to introduce probabilities at
this time.
..Lyons.. 03/09/2026
...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product...
Read more
SPC Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0218 AM CDT Mon Mar 09 2026
Valid 101200Z - 111200Z
...Synopsis...
The upper low over northern Mexico will eject eastward into the
southern Plains D2/Tuesday. At the surface, a lee cyclone will
intensify and move eastward across parts of KS/OK dragging a
trailing dryline with it over parts of the southern Plains. East of
the dryline, rich low-level moisture and widespread
showers/thunderstorms are expected. Dry and breezy conditions behind
the dryline and east of the upper low appear likely to support some
fire-weather potential.
...Southern High Plains...
As the upper low over the Southwest moves northeastward, strong flow
aloft and ascent will overspread parts of the southern High Plains.
A surface low will deepen with a surface trough/dryline supporting
dry downslope flow across the southern Rockies and High Plains on D2
(Tuesday afternoon). Gusty west/southwest winds of 15-25 mph are
expected along with afternoon humidity of 20-25%. This should
support elevated fire-weather conditions across parts of West TX,
the Rio Grande Valley and far eastern NM where fuels remain dry and
receptive.
The potential for precipitation and the location of the dryline
remain a significant source of uncertainty on the overall areal
extent and magnitude of the fire-weather threat D2/Tuesday. Showers
and thunderstorms are expected both to the west and east of the
dryline. Cloud cover and increasing humidity may also limit the
potential for more intense fire-weather conditions despite
relatively strong surface winds. Changes will likely be needed to
the eastern extent of the Elevated area as details surrounding
dryline and precipitation placement become clearer on Day1/Monday.
While storms are likely over central NM, relatively modest moisture
profiles (PWATS generally under 0.6 inches) suggest a few of these
storms may not be overly productive for wetting rainfall. With steep
low-level lapse rates and modest buoyancy, a few lightning strikes
are possible. These storms could be drier with the potential for
lightning to interact with receptive fuels. However, dry
thunderstorm coverage appears too low to introduce probabilities at
this time.
..Lyons.. 03/09/2026
...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product...
Read more
SPC Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0216 AM CDT Mon Mar 09 2026
Valid 091200Z - 101200Z
...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER AREA FOR PARTS OF THE CENTRAL HIGH
PLAINS...
...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER AREA FOR PARTS OF THE SOUTHERN HIGH
PLAINS...
...Synopsis...
Split mid-level flow will continue over the US today as an upper low
moves into the Southwest and a second upper trough crosses the
northern Rockies. Surface cyclogenesis across the High Plains will
support another day of diurnally-enhanced westerly downslope flow
over regions with receptive fuels. Elevated to critical fire-weather
conditions are probable.
...Central High Plains...
Ahead of the northern upper trough, initial cyclogenesis should
continue as a trailing lee trough deepens over the High Plains.
Westerly low-level winds are expected to increase near the surface
low, and will peak during the late afternoon hours. Sustained winds
of 15-25 mph with RH minimums falling to near 20% are expected.
Despite some recent precipitation, fine fuels are receptive after
multiple days of persistent downslope winds, supporting widespread
elevated and fire-weather conditions this afternoon across portions
of eastern WY into western and central NE. Fire-weather conditions
will end overnight as a cold front associated with the departing
surface low moves southward, ushering in cooler air over the central
Plains.
...Southern High Plains...
Lee troughing south of the deepening surface low will support 15-25
mph westerly winds across northeast NM into the OK/TX Panhandles
this afternoon. Dry air advecting and downsloping into the region
today will promote RH minimums in the single digits to low teens. A
swath of critical fire weather conditions appears likely from
northeast NM into the TX Panhandle under a belt of stronger flow
aloft. Despite precipitation in the last several days, continued
drying and downslope winds will support drying of fine fuels and
elevated to locally critical fire-weather conditions into parts of
western OK.
..Lyons.. 03/09/2026
...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product...
Read more
SPC Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0216 AM CDT Mon Mar 09 2026
Valid 091200Z - 101200Z
...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER AREA FOR PARTS OF THE CENTRAL HIGH
PLAINS...
...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER AREA FOR PARTS OF THE SOUTHERN HIGH
PLAINS...
...Synopsis...
Split mid-level flow will continue over the US today as an upper low
moves into the Southwest and a second upper trough crosses the
northern Rockies. Surface cyclogenesis across the High Plains will
support another day of diurnally-enhanced westerly downslope flow
over regions with receptive fuels. Elevated to critical fire-weather
conditions are probable.
...Central High Plains...
Ahead of the northern upper trough, initial cyclogenesis should
continue as a trailing lee trough deepens over the High Plains.
Westerly low-level winds are expected to increase near the surface
low, and will peak during the late afternoon hours. Sustained winds
of 15-25 mph with RH minimums falling to near 20% are expected.
Despite some recent precipitation, fine fuels are receptive after
multiple days of persistent downslope winds, supporting widespread
elevated and fire-weather conditions this afternoon across portions
of eastern WY into western and central NE. Fire-weather conditions
will end overnight as a cold front associated with the departing
surface low moves southward, ushering in cooler air over the central
Plains.
...Southern High Plains...
Lee troughing south of the deepening surface low will support 15-25
mph westerly winds across northeast NM into the OK/TX Panhandles
this afternoon. Dry air advecting and downsloping into the region
today will promote RH minimums in the single digits to low teens. A
swath of critical fire weather conditions appears likely from
northeast NM into the TX Panhandle under a belt of stronger flow
aloft. Despite precipitation in the last several days, continued
drying and downslope winds will support drying of fine fuels and
elevated to locally critical fire-weather conditions into parts of
western OK.
..Lyons.. 03/09/2026
...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product...
Read more
SPC Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0216 AM CDT Mon Mar 09 2026
Valid 091200Z - 101200Z
...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER AREA FOR PARTS OF THE CENTRAL HIGH
PLAINS...
...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER AREA FOR PARTS OF THE SOUTHERN HIGH
PLAINS...
...Synopsis...
Split mid-level flow will continue over the US today as an upper low
moves into the Southwest and a second upper trough crosses the
northern Rockies. Surface cyclogenesis across the High Plains will
support another day of diurnally-enhanced westerly downslope flow
over regions with receptive fuels. Elevated to critical fire-weather
conditions are probable.
...Central High Plains...
Ahead of the northern upper trough, initial cyclogenesis should
continue as a trailing lee trough deepens over the High Plains.
Westerly low-level winds are expected to increase near the surface
low, and will peak during the late afternoon hours. Sustained winds
of 15-25 mph with RH minimums falling to near 20% are expected.
Despite some recent precipitation, fine fuels are receptive after
multiple days of persistent downslope winds, supporting widespread
elevated and fire-weather conditions this afternoon across portions
of eastern WY into western and central NE. Fire-weather conditions
will end overnight as a cold front associated with the departing
surface low moves southward, ushering in cooler air over the central
Plains.
...Southern High Plains...
Lee troughing south of the deepening surface low will support 15-25
mph westerly winds across northeast NM into the OK/TX Panhandles
this afternoon. Dry air advecting and downsloping into the region
today will promote RH minimums in the single digits to low teens. A
swath of critical fire weather conditions appears likely from
northeast NM into the TX Panhandle under a belt of stronger flow
aloft. Despite precipitation in the last several days, continued
drying and downslope winds will support drying of fine fuels and
elevated to locally critical fire-weather conditions into parts of
western OK.
..Lyons.. 03/09/2026
...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product...
Read more
SPC 1200Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook RESENT 1
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0158 AM CDT Mon Mar 09 2026
Valid 091200Z - 101200Z
...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE
MID-SOUTH REGION AND CENTRAL GULF STATES...
...SUMMARY...
Severe thunderstorms are expected across the Mid-South region and
central Gulf states.
...Mid-South/Central Gulf States...
Weak, low amplitude short-wave trough is currently located over the
southern High Plains. This feature is forecast to advance into
central OK later this morning before shifting into eastern AR by
10/00z, then into the southern Appalachians during the overnight
hours. Despite this short wave, large-scale height rises are
forecast through the period across much of the eastern CONUS. As a
result, LLJ will likely prove instrumental in convective initiation
as low-level warm advection should extend along a corridor from the
southern Plains into the northern Gulf states.
Early this morning, 60F surface dew points were observed into
portions of the Arklatex. Latest model guidance suggests mid 60s dew
points will advance to near I40 across AR and these values should
spread into northern MS/AL by late afternoon. Given the strength of
the LLJ currently observed across north-central TX/OK, there is
increasing confidence that elevated convection may develop just
before sunrise across southeast OK. This activity would then
potentially grow upscale as it approaches the MS River. Latest HREF
members generally agree with this scenario and multiple thunderstorm
clusters and possibly an MCS-like cluster could evolve with time.
Strong deep-layer shear favors the potential for supercells, and
hail should be the primary concern with this activity. Severe threat
will spread southeast as thunderstorms spread toward
northern/central AL by late afternoon, potentially into western GA
during the evening.
...Southern AZ...
Strong upper low is forecast to advance toward the northern Baja
Peninsula by 10/00z, eventually shifting into northwest Mexico, just
south of the AZ border by the end of the period. Steep lapse rates
are forecast across southern AZ within a favorable zone for
large-scale ascent. Profiles suggest scattered convection will
develop and spread north across this region. Some consideration was
given to adding 5 percent severe hail/wind probabilities to this
region, but forecast soundings suggest this activity should struggle
to attain severe levels. Even so, small hail and gusty winds could
accompany the strongest convection.
..Darrow/Lyons.. 03/09/2026
Read more
SPC 1200Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook RESENT 1
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0158 AM CDT Mon Mar 09 2026
Valid 091200Z - 101200Z
...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE
MID-SOUTH REGION AND CENTRAL GULF STATES...
...SUMMARY...
Severe thunderstorms are expected across the Mid-South region and
central Gulf states.
...Mid-South/Central Gulf States...
Weak, low amplitude short-wave trough is currently located over the
southern High Plains. This feature is forecast to advance into
central OK later this morning before shifting into eastern AR by
10/00z, then into the southern Appalachians during the overnight
hours. Despite this short wave, large-scale height rises are
forecast through the period across much of the eastern CONUS. As a
result, LLJ will likely prove instrumental in convective initiation
as low-level warm advection should extend along a corridor from the
southern Plains into the northern Gulf states.
Early this morning, 60F surface dew points were observed into
portions of the Arklatex. Latest model guidance suggests mid 60s dew
points will advance to near I40 across AR and these values should
spread into northern MS/AL by late afternoon. Given the strength of
the LLJ currently observed across north-central TX/OK, there is
increasing confidence that elevated convection may develop just
before sunrise across southeast OK. This activity would then
potentially grow upscale as it approaches the MS River. Latest HREF
members generally agree with this scenario and multiple thunderstorm
clusters and possibly an MCS-like cluster could evolve with time.
Strong deep-layer shear favors the potential for supercells, and
hail should be the primary concern with this activity. Severe threat
will spread southeast as thunderstorms spread toward
northern/central AL by late afternoon, potentially into western GA
during the evening.
...Southern AZ...
Strong upper low is forecast to advance toward the northern Baja
Peninsula by 10/00z, eventually shifting into northwest Mexico, just
south of the AZ border by the end of the period. Steep lapse rates
are forecast across southern AZ within a favorable zone for
large-scale ascent. Profiles suggest scattered convection will
develop and spread north across this region. Some consideration was
given to adding 5 percent severe hail/wind probabilities to this
region, but forecast soundings suggest this activity should struggle
to attain severe levels. Even so, small hail and gusty winds could
accompany the strongest convection.
..Darrow/Lyons.. 03/09/2026
Read more
SPC 0600Z Day 2 Outlook
Day 2 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0100 AM CDT Mon Mar 09 2026
Valid 101200Z - 111200Z
...THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS
NORTHEAST MISSOURI...FAR SOUTHEAST IOWA...AND PARTS OF
NORTHERN/CENTRAL ILLINOIS INTO NORTHWEST INDIANA...
...SUMMARY...
Scattered severe thunderstorms are forecast on Tuesday from the
southern Plains into the southern Great Lakes vicinity. All severe
hazards are possible.
...Synopsis...
A complex scenario for severe thunderstorm potential is expected on
Tuesday and Tuesday night from the Southern Plains to the Mid-MS
Valley/southern Great Lakes vicinity. A somewhat bi-modal severe
risk appears possible within a split-flow upper level pattern. All
severe hazards appear possible, especially within a corridor across
portions of TX, and a second corridor from northern MO into
northern/central IL and northwest IN.
Expansive area of enhanced southwesterly flow will overspread the
southern Plains into the Upper Great Lakes, aided by two separate
upper troughs. The first is associated with an upper low/trough
across northwest Mexico and the Southwest, which will shift east
into the southern High Plains by Wednesday. The second is a broad
but deepening upper trough moving across the northern/central Plains
toward the Upper Midwest. Two areas of low pressure are expected to
develop with the approaching of these upper systems, one over the
central/southern High Plains and the other across the Lower
MO/Mid-MS valley. A dryline/Pacific front will be oriented across
western TX, while a warm front extends west to east from near
northern MO/southeast IA into northern IL/IN. By evening, a cold
front will begin to develop southeast across KS/MO/IA/IL/IN, and the
Pacific front will shift east across central TX. These boundaries
will be the focus for scattered to widespread thunderstorm
development from late afternoon into the overnight hours.
...Mid-MO Valley to southern Great Lakes vicinity...
Capping will likely suppress convection for much of the day within a
strong warm advection regime. Surface dewpoints are expected to
climb into the low/mid-60s south of the warm front beneath steep
midlevel lapse rates. This will foster 1000-2000 J/kg MLCAPE by peak
heating. Convection is expected to develop within the 21-00z time
frame when a 40 kt low-level jet is expected to overspread the
region. Supercell wind profiles are noted in forecast soundings,
with hodographs exhibiting enhanced low-level curvature, with
lengthened/straight hodographs above 2-3 km. Given a favorable
thermodynamic environment, large hail to 2.5 inches appears possible
with storms both within the warm sector and initial activity that
may develop within the cooler air north of the front. Furthermore,
any cells that develop within the warm sector and interact with the
front will encounter enhanced low-level shear/SRH and tornadoes
(some EF-2+) will be possible. With time during the evening,
convection will likely grow upscale into one or more
southeast-advancing linear segments near the advancing cold front.
Damaging winds will be possible with this activity overnight.
...Southern Plains vicinity...
Convection is expected to develop along the surface dryline across
western TX by mid to late afternoon. Initial supercells are possible
and could produce large hail (to around 2 inch diameter) and a
couple of tornadoes. Convection may quickly grow upscale as the
Pacific front overtakes the dryline and large-scale ascent increases
rapidly by 00z.
Uncertainty increases with northward extent across OK/KS into
southern MO/AR. These areas will be within the broad warm sector and
moderate to strongly sheared environment. However, this area will
also be between the two areas of stronger ascent. Some capping may
persist and it is unclear how convection may evolve across these
areas.
..Leitman.. 03/09/2026
Read more
SPC 0600Z Day 2 Outlook
Day 2 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0100 AM CDT Mon Mar 09 2026
Valid 101200Z - 111200Z
...THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS
NORTHEAST MISSOURI...FAR SOUTHEAST IOWA...AND PARTS OF
NORTHERN/CENTRAL ILLINOIS INTO NORTHWEST INDIANA...
...SUMMARY...
Scattered severe thunderstorms are forecast on Tuesday from the
southern Plains into the southern Great Lakes vicinity. All severe
hazards are possible.
...Synopsis...
A complex scenario for severe thunderstorm potential is expected on
Tuesday and Tuesday night from the Southern Plains to the Mid-MS
Valley/southern Great Lakes vicinity. A somewhat bi-modal severe
risk appears possible within a split-flow upper level pattern. All
severe hazards appear possible, especially within a corridor across
portions of TX, and a second corridor from northern MO into
northern/central IL and northwest IN.
Expansive area of enhanced southwesterly flow will overspread the
southern Plains into the Upper Great Lakes, aided by two separate
upper troughs. The first is associated with an upper low/trough
across northwest Mexico and the Southwest, which will shift east
into the southern High Plains by Wednesday. The second is a broad
but deepening upper trough moving across the northern/central Plains
toward the Upper Midwest. Two areas of low pressure are expected to
develop with the approaching of these upper systems, one over the
central/southern High Plains and the other across the Lower
MO/Mid-MS valley. A dryline/Pacific front will be oriented across
western TX, while a warm front extends west to east from near
northern MO/southeast IA into northern IL/IN. By evening, a cold
front will begin to develop southeast across KS/MO/IA/IL/IN, and the
Pacific front will shift east across central TX. These boundaries
will be the focus for scattered to widespread thunderstorm
development from late afternoon into the overnight hours.
...Mid-MO Valley to southern Great Lakes vicinity...
Capping will likely suppress convection for much of the day within a
strong warm advection regime. Surface dewpoints are expected to
climb into the low/mid-60s south of the warm front beneath steep
midlevel lapse rates. This will foster 1000-2000 J/kg MLCAPE by peak
heating. Convection is expected to develop within the 21-00z time
frame when a 40 kt low-level jet is expected to overspread the
region. Supercell wind profiles are noted in forecast soundings,
with hodographs exhibiting enhanced low-level curvature, with
lengthened/straight hodographs above 2-3 km. Given a favorable
thermodynamic environment, large hail to 2.5 inches appears possible
with storms both within the warm sector and initial activity that
may develop within the cooler air north of the front. Furthermore,
any cells that develop within the warm sector and interact with the
front will encounter enhanced low-level shear/SRH and tornadoes
(some EF-2+) will be possible. With time during the evening,
convection will likely grow upscale into one or more
southeast-advancing linear segments near the advancing cold front.
Damaging winds will be possible with this activity overnight.
...Southern Plains vicinity...
Convection is expected to develop along the surface dryline across
western TX by mid to late afternoon. Initial supercells are possible
and could produce large hail (to around 2 inch diameter) and a
couple of tornadoes. Convection may quickly grow upscale as the
Pacific front overtakes the dryline and large-scale ascent increases
rapidly by 00z.
Uncertainty increases with northward extent across OK/KS into
southern MO/AR. These areas will be within the broad warm sector and
moderate to strongly sheared environment. However, this area will
also be between the two areas of stronger ascent. Some capping may
persist and it is unclear how convection may evolve across these
areas.
..Leitman.. 03/09/2026
Read more
SPC 1200Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1240 AM CDT Mon Mar 09 2026
Valid 091200Z - 101200Z
...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE
MID-SOUTH REGION AND CENTRAL GULF STATES...
...SUMMARY...
Severe thunderstorms are expected across the Mid-South region and
central Gulf states.
...Mid-South/Central Gulf States...
Weak, low amplitude short-wave trough is currently located over the
southern High Plains. This feature is forecast to advance into
central OK later this morning before shifting into eastern AR by
10/00z, then into the southern Appalachians during the overnight
hours. Despite this short wave, large-scale height rises are
forecast through the period across much of the eastern CONUS. As a
result, LLJ will likely prove instrumental in convective initiation
as low-level warm advection should extend along a corridor from the
southern Plains into the northern Gulf states.
Early this morning, 60F surface dew points were observed into
portions of the Arklatex. Latest model guidance suggests mid 60s dew
points will advance to near I40 across AR and these values should
spread into northern MS/AL by late afternoon. Given the strength of
the LLJ currently observed across north-central TX/OK, there is
increasing confidence that elevated convection may develop just
before sunrise across southeast OK. This activity would then
potentially grow upscale as it approaches the MS River. Latest HREF
members generally agree with this scenario and multiple thunderstorm
clusters and possibly an MCS-like cluster could evolve with time.
Strong deep-layer shear favors the potential for supercells, and
hail should be the primary concern with this activity. Severe threat
will spread southeast as thunderstorms spread toward
northern/central AL by late afternoon, potentially into western GA
during the evening.
...Southern AZ...
Strong upper low is forecast to advance toward the northern Baja
Peninsula by 10/00z, eventually shifting into northwest Mexico, just
south of the AZ border by the end of the period. Steep lapse rates
are forecast across southern AZ within a favorable zone for
large-scale ascent. Profiles suggest scattered convection will
develop and spread north across this region. Some consideration was
given to adding 5 percent severe hail/wind probabilities to this
region, but forecast soundings suggest this activity should struggle
to attain severe levels. Even so, small hail and gusty winds could
accompany the strongest convection.
..Darrow.. 03/09/2026
Read more
SPC 0100Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0725 PM CDT Sun Mar 08 2026
Valid 090100Z - 091200Z
...NO SEVERE THUNDERSTORM AREAS FORECAST...
...SUMMARY...
Severe thunderstorms are not forecast tonight.
...01z Update...
Deep convection is gradually waning across coastal Carolina and
south-central TX early this evening, primarily due to boundary-layer
cooling and weak forcing. Lightning will quickly move off the
Carolina coast over the next hour, but isolated thunderstorms are
expected to linger across south-central TX and over the FL Peninsula
for the next few hours. Otherwise, no severe is expected.
..Darrow.. 03/09/2026
Read more
