We have growing concerns of a severe weather event Sunday afternoon and evening across the state. This morning, the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has included most of Indiana in an “Enhanced” risk of severe weather. From this distance, all modes of severe weather seem possible, including large hail, damaging winds, and even a tornado or two.
A trough and associated cold front will slice into an unseasonably warm and increasingly moist air mass Sunday. Ahead of the approaching front, temperatures should climb into the lower 70s Sunday afternoon (average high is in the upper 50s) and dew points will reach the lower to middle 60s. While the developing surface low isn’t expected to be terribly strong, as this feature moves northeast, it’ll help drag a cold front into this warm and increasingly unstable air mass late Sunday. From this distance, conditions seem favorable for a couple of super cells to develop Sunday afternoon and evening. We’ll have to keep a close eye on the northward extent of the warm front as this would be the areas of greatest concern for potential tornadic activity Sunday afternoon. Large hail and damaging winds are also included in Sunday’s severe threat. We’re in the second severe weather season, after all, and this kind of event isn’t unusual. Late November 2013 comes to mind.
It’ll be important to remain weather-aware Sunday and stay tuned all weekend for future updates. We’ll transition to a much cooler regime (back to below average) next week.