An outbreak of severe storms and tornadoes is possible across parts of central and southern Kansas late this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
This activity will spread toward eastern Kansas and far western Missouri late this evening and into the overnight hours, weakening somewhat as it does so, the weather service said. However, storms may still be strong to severe as they approach the area.
The highest threat will be hail, some of which could be large, and damaging winds, according to the weather service. While the tornado threat will decrease after dark, a few tornadoes are still possible especially across eastern Kansas.
There is a small chance that storms could develop across this area earlier than expected, the weather service said. While the chance is small, any storms that develop before dark could quickly become severe with very large hail and tornadoes.
Friday’s severe storm threat
There could be several rounds of strong to severe storms on Friday across much of the outlook area, beginning as early as mid afternoon and lasting late into the overnight hours, the weather service said.
Much of the severe risk will depend on how unstable the atmosphere can become by way of clearing skies and warming temperatures, according to the weather service.
If clouds and rain hang around for much of the day, the severe threat will be lower. Conversely, if temperatures can rise to the lower 80s then the severe threat may be higher than depicted, the weather service said.
At this time the highest threats are for very large hail with any storms that develop in the afternoon and evening, transitioning to strong winds after dark and overnight, according to the weather service. While the tornado threat at this time appears low, any storms that develop south of I-70 during the afternoon could pose a threat for a tornado or two, particularly across the enhanced risk area.
Heavy rain and flooding
Locally heavy rainfall is possible with all rounds of thunderstorms tonight through Friday night, the weather service said.
Total rainfall amounts through this time will be at least an inch for most areas, and possibly up to 4 inches in a few spots, according to the weather service.
This could lead to areas of flash flooding, particularly Friday night, the weather service said. The highest threat for heavy rain will generally be south of U.S. 36.
In Wyandotte County, today’s high is expected to be near 79, with a light and variable wind becoming southeast around 6 mph in the afternoon, the weather service said.
Tonight, there is an 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 9 p.m., according to the weather service. The low will be around 60 with an east wind of 8 to 11 mph. Between three-fourths and one inch of rain is possible.
Friday, there is a 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 76, the weather service said. There will be an east wind around 9 mph. Between a half and three-quarters of an inch of rain is possible.
Friday night, there is an 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a low of 60, according to the weather service. A southeast wind of 6 to 8 mph will become west after midnight. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain is possible.
Saturday, there is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 p.m., the weather service said. The high will be near 69 with a west wind of 6 to 9 mph. Between a tenth and quarter of an inch of rain is possible.
Saturday night, the low will be around 50 with partly cloudy skies, according to the weather service.
Sunday will be sunny with a high of 70, the weather service said.
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