US Mesoscale Discussions

Storm Prediction Center Mesoscale Discussion 347

Published Date and Time: 2026-04-03 21:01:00



   Mesoscale Discussion 0347
   NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
   0724 PM CDT Fri Apr 03 2026

   Areas affected...Central portions of Illinois into central and
   northwest Indiana

   Concerning...Tornado Watch 94...

   Valid 040024Z - 040200Z

   The severe weather threat for Tornado Watch 94 continues.

   SUMMARY...All severe hazards may accompany ongoing storms along a
   warm front over central IL.

   DISCUSSION...Supercells have matured across central IL over the past
   couple of hours, with multiple instances of severe hail and at least
   one brief tornado reported. These storms are progressing eastward
   along a warm front, where SRH is locally maximized. The 00Z ILX
   observed sounding depicts an uncapped warm sector, characterized by
   modest tropospheric lapse rates atop upper 60s F dewpoints, yielding
   tall and relatively thin MLCAPE (just under 1000 J/kg). This
   sounding also shows modest low-level curvature, but little
   upper-level elongation. As such, it has been difficult to yield
   sustained low-level mesocyclones with greater tornado potential, and
   it is unclear if this scenario will amplify. 

   Nonetheless, despite gradual boundary layer stabilization this
   evening, an increase in the low-level jet this evening may result in
   persistent supercell structures for at least a few more hours. The
   best chance for short-term severe (any hazard) will be across
   central IL, given the presence of ongoing supercells. The severe
   threat appears to have diminished for the time being from Iroquois
   County IL into IN.

   ..Squitieri.. 04/04/2026

   ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product...

   ATTN...WFO...IWX...IND...LOT...ILX...

   LAT...LON   40059049 40638988 41038841 41088706 40838636 40498651
               40368731 40258831 40128933 40029016 40059049 

   MOST PROBABLE PEAK TORNADO INTENSITY...85-115 MPH
   MOST PROBABLE PEAK WIND GUST...55-70 MPH
   MOST PROBABLE PEAK HAIL SIZE...1.00-1.75 IN



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