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Archives for the SPC Convective Outlook are updated daily (approximately) with a live map at the beginning of each article. Follow the link at the end of the article to check for current updates on the NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center website. Also, see Archives for Chicago's hourly weather data on CARDINAL NEWS Magazine.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS WEATHER
O'Hare International Airport KORD (Arlington Heights South)
Chicago Executive Airport KPWK (Arlington Heights North)

Monday, June 15, 2026

SPC Jun 15, 2026 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

LIVE MAP (ABOVE) ... SPC 1200Z Day 1 Outlook


Day 1 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1227 AM CDT Mon Jun 15 2026

Valid 151200Z - 161200Z

...THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON
AND EVENING ACROSS PARTS OF THE SOUTHERN HIGH PLAINS...

...SUMMARY...
Strong thunderstorm activity may impact the higher terrain of
northeastern New Mexico into adjacent high plains late this
afternoon into evening, accompanied by at least some potential for
severe hail and wind.

...Discussion...
Higher latitude blocking appears likely to persist with little
general change through this period. This regime will maintain a
broad area of cyclonic flow with anomalously low heights, which may
deepen further to the south of the central and eastern Canadian/U.S.
border vicinity, as a significant short wave trough digs across the
Dakotas through portions of the Upper Midwest by 12Z Tuesday.

Models indicate that this is likely to be accompanied by a more
notable southward surge of cooler/drier air, in the wake of a
stalling, weakening preceding cold front reaching the southern
Atlantic/Gulf Coast vicinity. With higher boundary-layer moisture
content and stronger potential instability largely becoming confined
to the south of the westerlies, the potential for organized severe
thunderstorm development appears seasonably low today through
tonight.

...Southern Rockies into adjacent Great Plains...
Beneath a northwesterly mid-level regime, which may modestly
strengthen to the southwest of the digging short wave trough by this
late afternoon, models indicate that moistening on southerly
low-level flow may contribute to modest destabilization across the
eastern/southeastern slopes of the southern Sangre de Cristo
Mountains into Raton Mesa vicinity. Perhaps aided by forcing for
ascent accompanying a subtle digging short wave perturbation, it
appears possible that thunderstorm activity, initiating with
destabilization across the higher terrain, could consolidate into a
small organizing cluster while propagating southeastward into the
adjacent high plains. Forecast soundings across this region suggest
that thermodynamic profiles may become potentially conducive to the
development of large hail and strong to severe wind gusts into mid
to late evening.

..Kerr/Weinman.. 06/15/2026


Read more CHECK UPDATE ZOOM GRAPHIC


http://dlvr.it/TT2kXP

Sunday, June 14, 2026

SPC Jun 14, 2026 2000 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

LIVE MAP (ABOVE) ... SPC 2000Z Day 1 Outlook


Day 1 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0248 PM CDT Sun Jun 14 2026

Valid 142000Z - 151200Z

...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM THE MIDDLE
OHIO VALLEY INTO THE NORTHEAST...AND ALONG THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS
INTO THE MID-ATLANTIC...

...SUMMARY...
Scattered severe thunderstorms capable of damaging wind gusts and
some hail are expected this afternoon and evening from the Upper
Ohio River Valley into the Northeast, and from the Appalachians into
the Mid-Atlantic States.

...20z...
The previous forecast remains on track with only minor adjustments
required based on recent convective trends. As of 19:30 UTC, MRMS
imagery depicts an intensifying squall line with a history of severe
gusts moving eastward across northeast OH. This section of the
squall line remains well-phased with ascent and stronger mid-level
flow associated with the shortwave trough aloft. Downstream of the
squall line, a recent 18 UTC RAOB from PIT sampled a strongly
sheared and uncapped environment that should maintain squall line
intensity through early evening and lends confidence in the ongoing
wind forecast.

Further south across the Mid-Atlantic, temperatures continue to warm
into the mid 90s with the early stages of organized convection noted
along the Appalachians and within a surface trough in north-central
NC. Regional 18 UTC soundings sampled a sufficiently buoyant and
strongly sheared environment that will likely promote further
organization and intensification through the evening hours as
convection spreads east/northeast. See MCD #1141 for regional
details and the previous discussion below for additional forecast
information.

..Moore.. 06/14/2026

.PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 1131 AM CDT Sun Jun 14 2026/

...Mid/Upper Ohio Valley to the Northeast/New England...
Morning surface analysis places a low over southeastern Lower MI,
along an extensive cold front that arcs from northwestern Ontario
south-southwestward into southern IL and then more southwestward
through southern MO and central OK into the TX Permian Basin. This
cold front and attendant low are forecast to progress eastward
today, moving just ahead of a shortwave trough pivoting within the
base of a larger upper trough from the OH Valley through the
Northeast. Moderate to strong mid-level flow will accompany this
shortwave, with mesoanalysis currently estimating 60 kt at 500 mb
within the base of this shortwave over the IA/MO border.

Moderate low-level moisture is already in place ahead of this
shortwave trough and associated cold front across the OH Valley,
with upper 60s dewpoints currently observed over much of IN and OH.
Low-level moisture decreases with northeastward extent, with low 60s
dewpoints in place across much of PA and western NY, decreasing to
the upper 50s across much of New England. Filtered daytime heating
will contribute to airmass destabilization ahead of the cold front,
with temperatures in the 80s and dewpoints in the mid 60s resulting
in moderate buoyancy (i.e. MLCAPE around 800-1000 J/kg) across the
Middle to Upper OH Valley. Modest height falls and ascent along the
front will support thunderstorms within this moderately buoyant
environment. Around 40 kt effective shear could support a few
initial/semi-discrete supercells prior to more prevalent
upscale-growing linear modes, with the primary concern being
damaging wind gusts, particularly in the OH/PA border vicinity where
the best overlap of better buoyancy and shear exists. A brief
tornado and/or hail could also occur given the relative strength of
the wind profiles.

Cooler temperatures and lower dewpoints will lead to more limited
buoyancy farther northeast (i.e. from western NY into New England).
However, the airmass is still expected to destabilize, supporting
afternoon/evening thunderstorms along and ahead of the front.
Effective shear around 35 to 40 kt should be sufficient for
occasional organization and some stronger bowing segments.

...Mid-Atlantic to TN/southern Appalachians/Carolinas...
Thunderstorm development is anticipated along the modest lee
troughing expected to extend across the region this afternoon and
evening. This development is forecast to occur well ahead of the
cold front mentioned in the previous subsection, resulting in a
separate area of strong to severe thunderstorm potential from the
Carolinas into the Mid-Atlantic.

Dewpoints across the region currently range from the upper 60s
across the central MD and VA to the low 70s across the central
Carolinas. Heating of this airmass will result in moderate to strong
surface-based buoyancy. Shear will be weaker than areas farther
north but still sufficient for organized clusters and/or perhaps a
few supercells. Primary risk will be damaging gusts, with this
potential maximized from eastern PA and NJ southward through the VA
Tidewater region.

Also worth noting is the trend within the recent guidance for a
modestly organized convective line to progress from Middle
TN/northern AL through northern GA. This line appears to result from
upscale growth of a relatively higher concentration of multicells
initially over the western TN vicinity near a weak surface low.
Consistency within the guidance is high enough to extend 15% wind
probability back into middle TN/northern AL to cover this threat.

...Southern Rockies into the Southern High Plains...
Afternoon thunderstorm development is anticipated across central NM
amid persistent westerly flow aloft and modest mid-level moisture.
Deep-layer shear is strong enough to support a few organized
updrafts capable of hail with any of the early, more cellular
development. Thereafter, a trend towards a more outflow-dominant,
linear structure is anticipated, and a few damaging gusts are
possible with any stronger bowing segments.


Read more CHECK UPDATE ZOOM GRAPHIC


http://dlvr.it/TT2bw2

SPC Jun 14, 2026 1630 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

LIVE MAP (ABOVE) ... SPC 1630Z Day 1 Outlook


Day 1 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1131 AM CDT Sun Jun 14 2026

Valid 141630Z - 151200Z

...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM THE MIDDLE
OHIO VALLEY INTO THE NORTHEAST...AND FROM THE APPALACHIANS INTO THE
MID-ATLANTIC STATES...

...SUMMARY...
Scattered severe thunderstorms capable of damaging wind gusts and
some hail are expected this afternoon and evening from the Upper
Ohio River Valley into the Northeast, and from the Appalachians into
the Mid-Atlantic States.

...Mid/Upper Ohio Valley to the Northeast/New England...
Morning surface analysis places a low over southeastern Lower MI,
along an extensive cold front that arcs from northwestern Ontario
south-southwestward into southern IL and then more southwestward
through southern MO and central OK into the TX Permian Basin. This
cold front and attendant low are forecast to progress eastward
today, moving just ahead of a shortwave trough pivoting within the
base of a larger upper trough from the OH Valley through the
Northeast. Moderate to strong mid-level flow will accompany this
shortwave, with mesoanalysis currently estimating 60 kt at 500 mb
within the base of this shortwave over the IA/MO border.

Moderate low-level moisture is already in place ahead of this
shortwave trough and associated cold front across the OH Valley,
with upper 60s dewpoints currently observed over much of IN and OH.
Low-level moisture decreases with northeastward extent, with low 60s
dewpoints in place across much of PA and western NY, decreasing to
the upper 50s across much of New England. Filtered daytime heating
will contribute to airmass destabilization ahead of the cold front,
with temperatures in the 80s and dewpoints in the mid 60s resulting
in moderate buoyancy (i.e. MLCAPE around 800-1000 J/kg) across the
Middle to Upper OH Valley. Modest height falls and ascent along the
front will support thunderstorms within this moderately buoyant
environment. Around 40 kt effective shear could support a few
initial/semi-discrete supercells prior to more prevalent
upscale-growing linear modes, with the primary concern being
damaging wind gusts, particularly in the OH/PA border vicinity where
the best overlap of better buoyancy and shear exists. A brief
tornado and/or hail could also occur given the relative strength of
the wind profiles.

Cooler temperatures and lower dewpoints will lead to more limited
buoyancy farther northeast (i.e. from western NY into New England).
However, the airmass is still expected to destabilize, supporting
afternoon/evening thunderstorms along and ahead of the front.
Effective shear around 35 to 40 kt should be sufficient for
occasional organization and some stronger bowing segments.

...Mid-Atlantic to TN/southern Appalachians/Carolinas...
Thunderstorm development is anticipated along the modest lee
troughing expected to extend across the region this afternoon and
evening. This development is forecast to occur well ahead of the
cold front mentioned in the previous subsection, resulting in a
separate area of strong to severe thunderstorm potential from the
Carolinas into the Mid-Atlantic.

Dewpoints across the region currently range from the upper 60s
across the central MD and VA to the low 70s across the central
Carolinas. Heating of this airmass will result in moderate to strong
surface-based buoyancy. Shear will be weaker than areas farther
north but still sufficient for organized clusters and/or perhaps a
few supercells. Primary risk will be damaging gusts, with this
potential maximized from eastern PA and NJ southward through the VA
Tidewater region.

Also worth noting is the trend within the recent guidance for a
modestly organized convective line to progress from Middle
TN/northern AL through northern GA. This line appears to result from
upscale growth of a relatively higher concentration of multicells
initially over the western TN vicinity near a weak surface low.
Consistency within the guidance is high enough to extend 15% wind
probability back into middle TN/northern AL to cover this threat.

...Southern Rockies into the Southern High Plains...
Afternoon thunderstorm development is anticipated across central NM
amid persistent westerly flow aloft and modest mid-level moisture.
Deep-layer shear is strong enough to support a few organized
updrafts capable of hail with any of the early, more cellular
development. Thereafter, a trend towards a more outflow-dominant,
linear structure is anticipated, and a few damaging gusts are
possible with any stronger bowing segments.

..Mosier/Chalmers.. 06/14/2026


Read more CHECK UPDATE ZOOM GRAPHIC


http://dlvr.it/TT2TGk

SPC Jun 14, 2026 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

LIVE MAP (ABOVE) ... SPC 1200Z Day 1 Outlook


Day 1 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1258 AM CDT Sun Jun 14 2026

Valid 141200Z - 151200Z

...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM NORTHERN
GEORGIA NORTHWARD INTO PORTIONS OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND...

...SUMMARY...
Scattered severe thunderstorms capable of damaging wind gusts are
expected across the Mid-Atlantic vicinity during the afternoon and
evening. Additional strong to severe storms are expected across the
upper Ohio Valley and Lower Great Lakes area.

...Synopsis...
A broad large-scale trough and accompanying belt of strong midlevel
west-southwesterly flow will move eastward from the Great
Lakes/upper OH Valley region into the Northeast through the period.
At the same time, a related cold front will advance eastward across
the OH Valley during the afternoon, before reaching the Mid-Atlantic
and southern New England coast during the overnight hours.

...Southern Appalachians into the Mid-Atlantic...
Widely scattered thunderstorms are expected ahead of the cold front
during the afternoon, focused within a pre-frontal trough extending
from the Mid-Atlantic southward into the lee of the southern
Appalachians. From roughly southern/eastern VA southward, upper 60s
to lower 70s dewpoints and steepening boundary-layer lapse rates
will yield a corridor of strong surface-based buoyancy ahead of
storms. Despite weaker deep-layer shear and limited midlevel height
falls with southward extent, the strongly unstable air mass will
favor eastward-moving thunderstorm clusters capable of producing
damaging wind gusts. Over the Mid-Atlantic region, stronger midlevel
westerly flow will contribute to 30-40 kt of effective shear amid
moderate surface-based buoyancy. This environment will support
several loosely organized clusters capable of scattered damaging
wind gusts. Here, 30-percent wind probabilities remain in place, and
while a locally higher concentration of wind damage will be possible
with any longer-lived clusters that may evolve, this will be largely
dependent on mesoscale factors.

...Upper OH Valley into southern New England...
Along the cold front, a broken band of thunderstorms will spread
eastward from the lower Great Lakes into the upper OH Valley and
southern New England during the afternoon into the evening hours.
Stronger midlevel height falls and around 40 kt of front-parallel
effective shear should favor a linear mode, with the primary concern
being strong-severe wind gusts.

...Southern High Plains...
Along the tail-end of a composite cold front/outflow boundary
extending westward into the southern Rockies/High Plains, widely
scattered thunderstorms will spread southeastward during the
afternoon. Given moist easterly low-level flow and 30-40 kt of
effective shear along the boundary, a couple loosely organized
storms will pose a risk of locally severe gusts and hail. Additional
storms are expected along the boundary extending eastward across
northern/central TX to the ArkLaTex, though weaker deep-layer shear
should limit storm longevity/organization here.

..Weinman/Halbert.. 06/14/2026


Read more CHECK UPDATE ZOOM GRAPHIC


http://dlvr.it/TT26dr
SUNRISE AND SUNSET TIMES IN UTC (if you're not logged in to Google)
CHICAGO UTC-6 during CST (Central Standard Time, e.g., winter)
CHICAGO UTC-5 during CDT (Daylight Savings Time, e.g., summer)