LIVE MAP (ABOVE) ... SPC 1300Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0736 AM CDT Fri Apr 10 2026
Valid 101300Z - 111200Z
...THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PARTS OF
THE SOUTH-CENTRAL PLAINS/OZARKS AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA/GREAT
BASIN...
...SUMMARY...
Thunderstorms with isolated large hail and severe gusts are possible
this afternoon and evening across parts of the south-central Plains
to the Ozarks. Strong to locally severe storms may also occur from
western/northern Nevada into southeast Oregon and southwest Idaho,
and also across parts of north-central California.
...South-central Plains/Ozarks...
Scattered rain and generally weak thunderstorms will continue to
accompany and reinforce a southward-shifting front, with the
boundary stalling today, before starting to shift back northward
late tonight. Weakening flow aloft will occur today in the presence
of a building upper ridge and corresponding height rises. As
outflows dissipate, ample heating/mixing is expected later today to
the south of the front, where MLCAPE values may exceed 1500 J/kg
across Oklahoma/Texas Panhandle and northeast New Mexico.
Even with modest overall forcing for ascent, scattered thunderstorms
are expected to develop by late afternoon in the vicinity of the
boundary across parts of far southern Kansas/northern Oklahoma into
the Ozarks, with additional development possible near the front, and
also within a post-frontal regime across the south-central High
Plains vicinity.
With rather modest large-scale ascent and weak deep-layer flow
across the region, storm organization and duration may generally
remain somewhat limited. However, more organized cells may briefly
develop on an isolated basis more immediately near the boundary,
where some enhancement to effective shear/SRH will be possible.
Isolated large hail appears to be the most likely hazard, although
localized strong/damaging wind gusts could also occur.
...Nevada/southeast OR/southwest ID and north-central CA...
A closed upper low off the coast of northern California will open
and become more progressive, reaching the Sierra and parts of the
Great Basin tonight. Related forcing for ascent and moisture will
influence scattered thunderstorm development this afternoon across
parts of central/northern California into the northern Great Basin
and interior Northwest. Cold temperatures aloft and rather strong
diurnal heating will result in steep low/mid-level lapse rates and
MUCAPE increasing to near/above 500 J/kg.
Mid-level flow and deep-layer shear will gradually increase over
time, with the most favorable overlap of vertical shear and
instability expected across western/northern Nevada into southeast
Oregon and southwest Idaho. Semi-organized cells/clusters, and
perhaps even a few supercells, may develop with an attendant threat
of hail and localized severe wind gusts.
A few locally severe storms may also develop across parts of the
Sacramento and northern San Joaquin Valleys in California this
afternoon. While deep-layer shear will be somewhat weaker as
compared to the northern Great Basin, cold temperatures aloft
(near/below -20C at 500 mb) may support marginally severe hail with
the strongest storms. The steep lapse rate environment and local
terrain influences could also support transient cell rotation and
possibly funnels, or even a brief tornado, although this potential
currently seems low/uncertain.
..Guyer/Broyles.. 04/10/2026
Read more CHECK UPDATE ZOOM GRAPHIC
http://dlvr.it/TRyxxw
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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.
CONVECTIVE | TORNADO | WIND | HAIL
O'Hare International Airport KORD
(Arlington Heights South)
Chicago Executive Airport KPWK
(Arlington Heights North)
Friday, April 10, 2026
SPC Apr 10, 2026 1300 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook
SPC Apr 10, 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
1253 AM CDT Fri Apr 10 2026
Valid 101200Z - 111200Z
...THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FOR PARTS OF THE
SOUTH-CENTRAL PLAINS INTO THE OZARKS...NORTHERN NV INTO SOUTHEAST
OR/SOUTHWEST ID...AND PARTS OF CENTRAL CA...
...SUMMARY...
Thunderstorms with isolated large hail and severe gusts will be
possible this afternoon and evening from parts of the south-central
Plains into the Ozarks. Strong to locally severe storms may also
occur from northern Nevada into southeast Oregon and southwest
Idaho, and also across parts of central California.
...Synopsis...
A mid/upper-level shortwave trough will move from the Great Lakes
region toward New England through the period. Upstream, a mid/upper
low initially offshore of California will move inland toward the
Great Basin as a shortwave trough, as another mid/upper
shortwave/low approaches the Pacific Coast.
...Parts of the south-central Plains into the Ozarks...
In the wake of morning elevated convection, an outflow-reinforced
cold front is expected to become nearly stationary this afternoon
and early evening. Steep midlevel lapse rates and rather cool
temperatures aloft will support MLCAPE of near/above 1500 J/kg
along/south of the front, with minimal MLCINH by afternoon.
Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop by late afternoon in
the vicinity of the boundary across parts of southern KS/northern OK
into the Ozarks, with additional development possible near the front
and within a post-frontal regime across the south-central High
Plains vicinity.
With rather modest large-scale ascent and weak deep-layer flow
forecast across the region, storm organization and duration may
generally remain somewhat limited. However, more organized cells may
briefly develop on an isolated basis near the boundary, where some
enhancement to effective shear/SRH will be possible. Isolated large
hail appears to be the most likely hazard, though localized
strong/damaging gusts also cannot be ruled out with the strongest
storms.
...Northern NV into southeast OR/southwest ID and central/northern
CA...
In response to the approaching mid/upper low and shortwave trough,
scattered thunderstorm development is expected this afternoon across
parts of central/northern CA into the northern Great Basin and
interior Northwest. Cold temperatures aloft and rather strong
diurnal heating will result in steep low/midlevel lapse rates and
MUCAPE increasing to near/above 500 J/kg, despite limited low-level
moisture.
Midlevel flow and deep-layer shear will gradually increase with
time, with the most favorable overlap of shear and instability
currently expected from northern NV into southeast OR/southwest ID.
Modestly organized cells/clusters and perhaps a couple of supercells
may develop in this area, with an attendant threat of hail and
localized severe gusts.
A few strong storms may also develop across parts of the Sacramento
and northern San Joaquin Valleys in California. While deep-layer
shear will be somewhat less favorable compared to the northern Great
Basin area, cold temperatures aloft (near/below -20C at 500 mb) may
support potential for marginally severe hail with the strongest
storms. Local terrain influences could also support transient cell
organization/rotation and possibly a brief tornado, though this
potential remains very uncertain at this time.
..Dean/Chalmers.. 04/10/2026
Read more CHECK UPDATE ZOOM GRAPHIC
http://dlvr.it/TRyfbh
Day 1 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1253 AM CDT Fri Apr 10 2026
Valid 101200Z - 111200Z
...THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FOR PARTS OF THE
SOUTH-CENTRAL PLAINS INTO THE OZARKS...NORTHERN NV INTO SOUTHEAST
OR/SOUTHWEST ID...AND PARTS OF CENTRAL CA...
...SUMMARY...
Thunderstorms with isolated large hail and severe gusts will be
possible this afternoon and evening from parts of the south-central
Plains into the Ozarks. Strong to locally severe storms may also
occur from northern Nevada into southeast Oregon and southwest
Idaho, and also across parts of central California.
...Synopsis...
A mid/upper-level shortwave trough will move from the Great Lakes
region toward New England through the period. Upstream, a mid/upper
low initially offshore of California will move inland toward the
Great Basin as a shortwave trough, as another mid/upper
shortwave/low approaches the Pacific Coast.
...Parts of the south-central Plains into the Ozarks...
In the wake of morning elevated convection, an outflow-reinforced
cold front is expected to become nearly stationary this afternoon
and early evening. Steep midlevel lapse rates and rather cool
temperatures aloft will support MLCAPE of near/above 1500 J/kg
along/south of the front, with minimal MLCINH by afternoon.
Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop by late afternoon in
the vicinity of the boundary across parts of southern KS/northern OK
into the Ozarks, with additional development possible near the front
and within a post-frontal regime across the south-central High
Plains vicinity.
With rather modest large-scale ascent and weak deep-layer flow
forecast across the region, storm organization and duration may
generally remain somewhat limited. However, more organized cells may
briefly develop on an isolated basis near the boundary, where some
enhancement to effective shear/SRH will be possible. Isolated large
hail appears to be the most likely hazard, though localized
strong/damaging gusts also cannot be ruled out with the strongest
storms.
...Northern NV into southeast OR/southwest ID and central/northern
CA...
In response to the approaching mid/upper low and shortwave trough,
scattered thunderstorm development is expected this afternoon across
parts of central/northern CA into the northern Great Basin and
interior Northwest. Cold temperatures aloft and rather strong
diurnal heating will result in steep low/midlevel lapse rates and
MUCAPE increasing to near/above 500 J/kg, despite limited low-level
moisture.
Midlevel flow and deep-layer shear will gradually increase with
time, with the most favorable overlap of shear and instability
currently expected from northern NV into southeast OR/southwest ID.
Modestly organized cells/clusters and perhaps a couple of supercells
may develop in this area, with an attendant threat of hail and
localized severe gusts.
A few strong storms may also develop across parts of the Sacramento
and northern San Joaquin Valleys in California. While deep-layer
shear will be somewhat less favorable compared to the northern Great
Basin area, cold temperatures aloft (near/below -20C at 500 mb) may
support potential for marginally severe hail with the strongest
storms. Local terrain influences could also support transient cell
organization/rotation and possibly a brief tornado, though this
potential remains very uncertain at this time.
..Dean/Chalmers.. 04/10/2026
Read more CHECK UPDATE ZOOM GRAPHIC
http://dlvr.it/TRyfbh
Thursday, April 9, 2026
SPC Apr 10, 2026 0100 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook
LIVE MAP (ABOVE) ... SPC 0100Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0800 PM CDT Thu Apr 09 2026
Valid 100100Z - 101200Z
...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FOR PARTS OF
CENTRAL/NORTHEAST KS INTO FAR SOUTHEAST NE/NORTHWEST MO...
...SUMMARY...
Severe thunderstorms capable of producing large hail and severe wind
gusts remain possible this evening across parts of Kansas, southeast
Nebraska, and northwest Missouri.
...Central/southern Plains...
Scattered strong to severe storms have developed this evening from
southwest into north-central KS and far southern NE this evening,
near/south of a southward-moving cold front, and along/east of a
weak dryline. Despite modest low-level moisture (with warm-sector
dewpoints generally in the low 50s F), steep midlevel lapse rates
and relatively cold temperatures aloft are supporting MLCAPE of
1000-1500 J/kg, within a moderately sheared environment.
A few relatively high-based supercells remain possible through the
evening, with an attendant threat of large hail (potentially
golf-ball-sized or larger) and localized severe gusts. A tornado
also cannot be ruled out across north-central/northeast KS, as
low-level moisture/shear gradually improve in conjunction with a
nocturnal low-level jet. Otherwise, some upscale growth remains
possible with time, which could result in at least an isolated
severe-wind threat spreading across parts of northeast KS and
northwest MO later tonight, before the threat diminishes in response
to increasing MLCINH. See MCD 370 and MD 371 for more information
regarding the short-term severe threat in this area.
...Northwest CA/southwest OR vicinity...
A few strong storms remain possible through early evening across
parts of northwest CA and southwest OR, in association with an upper
low off of the northern CA coast. Any remaining severe threat should
tend to diminish with time, as already weak buoyancy further
decreases due to convective overturning and nocturnal stabilization.
...CA Central Valley...
Isolated strong storms have recently developed across parts of the
CA central valley, with a supercell noted northwest of Fresno. While
deep-layer flow is rather weak, MUCAPE of 500-1000 J/kg and modest
veering of the wind profile could support a very isolated threat of
gusty winds and small to marginally severe hail, though coverage and
duration of the threat are expected to remain limited.
..Dean.. 04/10/2026
Read more CHECK UPDATE ZOOM GRAPHIC
http://dlvr.it/TRyTpk
Day 1 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0800 PM CDT Thu Apr 09 2026
Valid 100100Z - 101200Z
...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FOR PARTS OF
CENTRAL/NORTHEAST KS INTO FAR SOUTHEAST NE/NORTHWEST MO...
...SUMMARY...
Severe thunderstorms capable of producing large hail and severe wind
gusts remain possible this evening across parts of Kansas, southeast
Nebraska, and northwest Missouri.
...Central/southern Plains...
Scattered strong to severe storms have developed this evening from
southwest into north-central KS and far southern NE this evening,
near/south of a southward-moving cold front, and along/east of a
weak dryline. Despite modest low-level moisture (with warm-sector
dewpoints generally in the low 50s F), steep midlevel lapse rates
and relatively cold temperatures aloft are supporting MLCAPE of
1000-1500 J/kg, within a moderately sheared environment.
A few relatively high-based supercells remain possible through the
evening, with an attendant threat of large hail (potentially
golf-ball-sized or larger) and localized severe gusts. A tornado
also cannot be ruled out across north-central/northeast KS, as
low-level moisture/shear gradually improve in conjunction with a
nocturnal low-level jet. Otherwise, some upscale growth remains
possible with time, which could result in at least an isolated
severe-wind threat spreading across parts of northeast KS and
northwest MO later tonight, before the threat diminishes in response
to increasing MLCINH. See MCD 370 and MD 371 for more information
regarding the short-term severe threat in this area.
...Northwest CA/southwest OR vicinity...
A few strong storms remain possible through early evening across
parts of northwest CA and southwest OR, in association with an upper
low off of the northern CA coast. Any remaining severe threat should
tend to diminish with time, as already weak buoyancy further
decreases due to convective overturning and nocturnal stabilization.
...CA Central Valley...
Isolated strong storms have recently developed across parts of the
CA central valley, with a supercell noted northwest of Fresno. While
deep-layer flow is rather weak, MUCAPE of 500-1000 J/kg and modest
veering of the wind profile could support a very isolated threat of
gusty winds and small to marginally severe hail, though coverage and
duration of the threat are expected to remain limited.
..Dean.. 04/10/2026
Read more CHECK UPDATE ZOOM GRAPHIC
http://dlvr.it/TRyTpk
SPC Apr 9, 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
1128 AM CDT Thu Apr 09 2026
Valid 091630Z - 101200Z
...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PARTS OF
KANSAS INTO SOUTHEAST NEBRASKA AND NORTHWEST MISSOURI...
...SUMMARY...
Severe thunderstorms capable of producing large hail and severe wind
gusts are expected late this afternoon and evening across parts of
Kansas, southeast Nebraska, and northwest Missouri. Isolated severe
thunderstorms may also occur across portions of the south-central
High Plains and northern California/southwest Oregon.
...Southern High Plains into the Central Plains and Lower/Mid
Missouri Valley...
Ongoing precipitation/thunderstorms and related cloud cover across
north-central/northeast KS into southeast NE/southwest IA is being
aided by modest low-level warm/moist advection in the vicinity of a
surface front. Current expectations are for this activity to
gradually diminish in coverage as it shifts eastward into the
northwest MO/southern IA. In its wake, daytime heating may be
hampered a bit by residual cloudiness across much of
north-central/northeast KS. Even so, continued northward low-level
moisture advection is anticipated across the southern/central Plains
through the afternoon, with surface dewpoints generally in the upper
40s to low/mid 50s. This, coupled with steep mid-level lapse rates
and cold temperatures aloft, will aid in the development of moderate
instability (MLCAPE around 1000-1500 J/kg) along/south of a front
draped generally west to east across northern KS/MO.
Stronger ascent aloft and enhanced westerly flow at mid/upper levels
will remain mostly displaced to the north of the central Plains
today, as multiple mid-level perturbations rotate through mean
mid/upper-level troughing over central/eastern Canada. Still, most
guidance continues to suggest that minimal MLCIN will exist in the
vicinity of the front in north-central/northeast KS and southeast NE
by 22-23Z as surface temperatures warm into the 70s/low 80s.
Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop across
this area by late afternoon/early evening, with modest
south-southwesterly low-level winds veering to west-northwesterly at
mid/upper levels supporting 35-45 kt of deep-layer shear.
Initial convective development will likely be supercellular and pose
a threat for mainly large hail (isolated 2+ inches in diameter
possible). Fairly large surface temperature-dewpoint spreads with a
well-mixed boundary layer and related high cloud bases render
considerable uncertainty regarding tornado potential. But, some risk
for a tornado or two may focus along/near the front through early
evening as effective SRH gradually increases in tandem with a
strengthening south-southwesterly low-level jet. Otherwise, the risk
for severe/damaging winds may gradually increase through mid evening
as thunderstorms tend to cluster/grow modestly upscale. But, the
severe wind risk will likely become more limited by late evening
with the loss of daytime heating and increasing MLCIN with
southward/eastward extent.
Isolated thunderstorms may also develop this afternoon farther
southwest across the central/southern High Plains along and east of
a sharpening surface dryline/lee trough. Overall convective coverage
remains highly uncertain given nebulous/weak large-scale ascent this
far south. Still, some risk for occasional hail and severe gusts
should exist with any sustained cells or clusters that can develop
and spread east-southeastward through the late afternoon/early
evening.
...Northern California/Southwest Oregon...
As an upper-level low over the eastern Pacific approaches the West
Coast today, large-scale ascent will overspread portions of northern
CA into southern OR with scattered thunderstorm development expected
into afternoon. Sufficient moisture and instability should exist
inland beneath strengthening deep-layer southwesterly winds ahead of
the trough to support semi-organized convection. As low-level lapse
rates gradually steepen and flow aloft increases, this activity may
be capable of producing isolated strong to severe gusts and possibly
some hail.
..Gleason/Wendt.. 04/09/2026
Read more CHECK UPDATE ZOOM GRAPHIC
http://dlvr.it/TRyJFS
Day 1 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1128 AM CDT Thu Apr 09 2026
Valid 091630Z - 101200Z
...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PARTS OF
KANSAS INTO SOUTHEAST NEBRASKA AND NORTHWEST MISSOURI...
...SUMMARY...
Severe thunderstorms capable of producing large hail and severe wind
gusts are expected late this afternoon and evening across parts of
Kansas, southeast Nebraska, and northwest Missouri. Isolated severe
thunderstorms may also occur across portions of the south-central
High Plains and northern California/southwest Oregon.
...Southern High Plains into the Central Plains and Lower/Mid
Missouri Valley...
Ongoing precipitation/thunderstorms and related cloud cover across
north-central/northeast KS into southeast NE/southwest IA is being
aided by modest low-level warm/moist advection in the vicinity of a
surface front. Current expectations are for this activity to
gradually diminish in coverage as it shifts eastward into the
northwest MO/southern IA. In its wake, daytime heating may be
hampered a bit by residual cloudiness across much of
north-central/northeast KS. Even so, continued northward low-level
moisture advection is anticipated across the southern/central Plains
through the afternoon, with surface dewpoints generally in the upper
40s to low/mid 50s. This, coupled with steep mid-level lapse rates
and cold temperatures aloft, will aid in the development of moderate
instability (MLCAPE around 1000-1500 J/kg) along/south of a front
draped generally west to east across northern KS/MO.
Stronger ascent aloft and enhanced westerly flow at mid/upper levels
will remain mostly displaced to the north of the central Plains
today, as multiple mid-level perturbations rotate through mean
mid/upper-level troughing over central/eastern Canada. Still, most
guidance continues to suggest that minimal MLCIN will exist in the
vicinity of the front in north-central/northeast KS and southeast NE
by 22-23Z as surface temperatures warm into the 70s/low 80s.
Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop across
this area by late afternoon/early evening, with modest
south-southwesterly low-level winds veering to west-northwesterly at
mid/upper levels supporting 35-45 kt of deep-layer shear.
Initial convective development will likely be supercellular and pose
a threat for mainly large hail (isolated 2+ inches in diameter
possible). Fairly large surface temperature-dewpoint spreads with a
well-mixed boundary layer and related high cloud bases render
considerable uncertainty regarding tornado potential. But, some risk
for a tornado or two may focus along/near the front through early
evening as effective SRH gradually increases in tandem with a
strengthening south-southwesterly low-level jet. Otherwise, the risk
for severe/damaging winds may gradually increase through mid evening
as thunderstorms tend to cluster/grow modestly upscale. But, the
severe wind risk will likely become more limited by late evening
with the loss of daytime heating and increasing MLCIN with
southward/eastward extent.
Isolated thunderstorms may also develop this afternoon farther
southwest across the central/southern High Plains along and east of
a sharpening surface dryline/lee trough. Overall convective coverage
remains highly uncertain given nebulous/weak large-scale ascent this
far south. Still, some risk for occasional hail and severe gusts
should exist with any sustained cells or clusters that can develop
and spread east-southeastward through the late afternoon/early
evening.
...Northern California/Southwest Oregon...
As an upper-level low over the eastern Pacific approaches the West
Coast today, large-scale ascent will overspread portions of northern
CA into southern OR with scattered thunderstorm development expected
into afternoon. Sufficient moisture and instability should exist
inland beneath strengthening deep-layer southwesterly winds ahead of
the trough to support semi-organized convection. As low-level lapse
rates gradually steepen and flow aloft increases, this activity may
be capable of producing isolated strong to severe gusts and possibly
some hail.
..Gleason/Wendt.. 04/09/2026
Read more CHECK UPDATE ZOOM GRAPHIC
http://dlvr.it/TRyJFS
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