Iowa Weather Report May 10th 2014 (Mother’s Day Weekend Severe Weather)

UNSETTLED AND SEVERE: An unsettled weather pattern is looking to take shape across the area with numerous chances of showers and thunderstorms over the next 48 hours. Today we will see partly sunny skies with clouds increasing throughout the day with a slight chance of a shower or storm during the afternoon hours. Some of the storms could be strong to possible severe. The Storm Prediction Center has a slight risk of severe weather for areas south of a Council Bluffs to Indianola to Burlington. The main threats would be from large hail and damaging winds with an isolated tornado possible as well, however the best chances of tornadoes look to remain in Missouri at this time. Highs will be in the 70s. Sunday, a frontal system will move in from the south which may be the triggering mechanism for more showers and thunderstorms at that time. Some of these storms could become strong to severe with all modes of severe weather possible. The Storm Prediction Center has a slight risk of severe weather for all but the far northwestern corner of the state for Sunday. This may be upgraded to Moderate Risk in later outlooks (perhaps as early as this afternoon). There is some uncertainty depending on any thunderstorms that may move through during the morning hours which may squelch any redevelopment later in the afternoon similar to Thursday. Readings will range from the middle and upper 60s in the western and northwestern counties to the lower 80s southeast. Shower and thunderstorms chances look to continue into Monday as well with the severe weather threat moving to our east at that point. Highs will be cooling off as the cold front moves through with middle 50s northwest to middle 70s southeast.

TOO COOL: The rest of the new work week looks to remain rather cool with some peaks of sunshine along with a chance of some showers moving through. The best chance of rain looks to come on Thursday. Highs during this time will be in the middle 50s north to lower 60s south or about 10-15 degrees below seasonal levels for the middle of May.

EVEN FARTHER OUT: The extended period which takes us up to the Memorial Day Weekend still continues to look unsettled with some chances of showers and thunderstorms around. Readings look to remain near seasonal levels at this time, but this and the chances of precipitation may change in upcoming model runs, so stay tuned.