Risk for Severe Storms Wednesday

Wednesday will be the warmest day of the week as temperatures will start off the day in the low 50s, and warm to the low 70s. There will be an increase in cloud cover and thunderstorms. If rain develops early in the day, it looks like after 9AM, this will likely lower the chance for strong storms to develop in the evening. Areas west of US 63 look to be the area where ingredients favorable for severe storms will exist, mainly after 3PM. Instability, wind speed and directional shear, and low level winds could fuel storms that will be capable of producing large 1″ in diameter hail, damaging 60+ mph winds, and a tornado. Storms tomorrow evening look to track NE from 40 to 50 mph. Rainfall amounts tomorrow will be 0.25″ or less for most areas. Where the stronger storms occur, amounts of .50″ to .80″ will be possible. It looks like northwest Mid-Missouri, with the counties of Chariton, Randolph northern Saline, and Macon perhaps with the best chance for the severe threat in the evening, where all modes will be possible. The threat looks to end through 1AM Thursday morning as the cold front pushes east. For additional weather updates follow @ABC17Stormtrack on Twitter.