The Storm Prediction Center is Norman, Oklahoma is currently monitoring southwest Iowa for severe potential this afternoon. A Tornado Watch will likely be needed by 3:30 p.m. or so with the risk of tornadoes being confined to a wedge-shaped area immediately ahead of the low pressure system to the east of an arcing dryline and bounded north of a stationary front.
Dew points across the area are currently sitting in the low-to-mid 50s with temperatures expected to rise into the 60s and 70s. As the exit region of a powerful upper-level jet streak points into the region this afternoon, forcing will be amplified across the area, alongside the cap weakening. Isolated thunderstorms will begin developing around 4:00 p.m. with strong shear supporting organized storms with a few supercells. The primary threats with any severe cells that develop will be large hail, damaging winds, and perhaps a few tornadoes.
Stay tuned to the Iowa Weather Network for the latest information!