Storm Prediction Center Mesoscale Discussion 288

   Mesoscale Discussion 0288
   NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
   0807 PM CDT Sun Mar 22 2026

   Areas affected...Upper Ohio Valley Vicinity

   Concerning...Severe Thunderstorm Watch 72...

   Valid 230107Z - 230230Z

   The severe weather threat for Severe Thunderstorm Watch 72
   continues.

   SUMMARY...Large hail will remain possible with storms as they move
   eastward trough eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. The
   environment farther east will become less supportive of severe
   convection, however.

   DISCUSSION...Lift from a low-amplitude trough in the Midwest
   continues to promote elevated convection, behind a cold front, in
   the upper Ohio Valley. A few stronger cores have noted in central
   into eastern Ohio. Occasional large hail will be possible with these
   storms given the steep mid-level lapse rates observed on this
   evening's ILN sounding and around 55 kts of 0-6 km shear on area VAD
   data. That said, the observed sounding at PIT showed a modest 6 C/km
   mid-level lapse rate. Convection may be able to maintain some
   intensity into western Pennsylvania, but will gradually weaken with
   eastward extent. This trend has been observed over the past few
   hours with prior convective activity.

   ..Wendt.. 03/23/2026

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

   ATTN...WFO...CTP...PBZ...RLX...CLE...ILN...

   LAT...LON   39458125 39468192 39498217 39798215 40698224 41068213
               41178121 41247983 41107935 40827925 40117928 39717949
               39438033 39458125 

   MOST PROBABLE PEAK WIND GUST...UP TO 60 MPH
   MOST PROBABLE PEAK HAIL SIZE...1.00-1.75 IN