SPC Jan 4, 2026 2000 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook
SPC 2000Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0143 PM CST Sun Jan 04 2026 Valid 042000Z - 051200Z ...NO SEVERE THUNDERSTORM AREAS FORECAST... ...SUMMARY... Severe thunderstorms are not expected through tonight. ...20z Update... No changes were made to the prior outlook. Isolated thunderstorms remain possible over parts of the West Coast into the Great Basin, and over the far southern FL Peninsula through tonight. Weak buoyancy should preclude any severe risk. See the prior discussion for more info. ..Lyons.. 01/04/2026 .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 1014 AM CST Sun Jan 04 2026/ ...Discussion... A progressive/modestly amplified longwave pattern will prevail over the CONUS through tonight. The primary potential for isolated thunderstorms will be over the West, generally related to a weakening shortwave trough that will spread across central California toward the Great Basin, and a somewhat more prominent shortwave trough that is just off the coastal Pacific Northwest. Sporadic, albeit relatively low/isolated, thunderstorm potential will exist today across the coastal Pacific Northwest toward central California, and across parts of the Great Basin mainly this afternoon. The relatively most unstable conditions for the period are expected to manifest late tonight near the northern California coast as mid-level lapse rates steepen. However, only a few hundred J/kg MUCAPE and limited-strength winds through the lowest 3-4km AGL will likely preclude organized severe storm potential. Read more
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0143 PM CST Sun Jan 04 2026 Valid 042000Z - 051200Z ...NO SEVERE THUNDERSTORM AREAS FORECAST... ...SUMMARY... Severe thunderstorms are not expected through tonight. ...20z Update... No changes were made to the prior outlook. Isolated thunderstorms remain possible over parts of the West Coast into the Great Basin, and over the far southern FL Peninsula through tonight. Weak buoyancy should preclude any severe risk. See the prior discussion for more info. ..Lyons.. 01/04/2026 .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 1014 AM CST Sun Jan 04 2026/ ...Discussion... A progressive/modestly amplified longwave pattern will prevail over the CONUS through tonight. The primary potential for isolated thunderstorms will be over the West, generally related to a weakening shortwave trough that will spread across central California toward the Great Basin, and a somewhat more prominent shortwave trough that is just off the coastal Pacific Northwest. Sporadic, albeit relatively low/isolated, thunderstorm potential will exist today across the coastal Pacific Northwest toward central California, and across parts of the Great Basin mainly this afternoon. The relatively most unstable conditions for the period are expected to manifest late tonight near the northern California coast as mid-level lapse rates steepen. However, only a few hundred J/kg MUCAPE and limited-strength winds through the lowest 3-4km AGL will likely preclude organized severe storm potential. Read more