Storm Prediction Center Mesoscale Discussion 294

   Mesoscale Discussion 0294
   NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
   0721 PM CDT Thu Mar 26 2026

   Areas affected...Central portions of Illinois and Indiana

   Concerning...Severe Thunderstorm Watch 76...

   Valid 270021Z - 270115Z

   The severe weather threat for Severe Thunderstorm Watch 76
   continues.

   SUMMARY...The risk for large hail and damaging winds continues
   across the watch area.

   DISCUSSION...A south/southeast-moving cold front extended across
   central portions of IN/IL at 00z, with scattered strong/severe
   storms located in the vicinity of the front, primarily across the IN
   portion of the watch. These storms have a history of wind damage and
   large hail up to the size of golfballs. The downstream environment
   will remain favorable for a continued severe threat through 03-04z
   with upwards of 1000 J/kg MLCAPE and sufficient shear for organized
   storms.

   Farther west, some increase in reflectivity has been noted with
   convective elements along the front over far west-central IL.
   High-res guidance, notably recent runs of the HRRR, suggests that
   additional thunderstorm development will be possible over the next
   couple of hours, with some severe hail/wind threat accompanying the
   strongest storms.

   ..Bunting.. 03/27/2026

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

   ATTN...WFO...ILN...IWX...IND...LOT...ILX...LSX...DVN...

   LAT...LON   40719094 40989005 40958942 40768835 40608756 40518696
               40578643 40728591 40948553 40798491 40018485 39798536
               39568665 39528745 39538816 39518889 39568979 39519103
               40219147 40719094 

   MOST PROBABLE PEAK WIND GUST...55-70 MPH
   MOST PROBABLE PEAK HAIL SIZE...UP TO 1.25 IN