Severe storm threat Wednesday

Wednesday will be warm and humid with temperatures climbing into the mid 80s as dewpoints climb into the mid 60s. A surface low pressure area in southeast Kansas will lift a trailing warm front through in the morning as it drifts to the northeast. A few showers and t-storms are possible from 8 to noon along this boundary.

Instability will increase as we head into the afternoon along with low level moisture which will help fuel storms ahead of an approaching cold front. These ingredients, coupled with modest wind shear could cause storms to strengthen, giving us a threat for severe storms.

The line of storms is expected to develop from 3-4 PM near HWY 65, heading east through the evening hours to near I-44 by 1 AM. The best chance for storms in Columbia and Jefferson City is 7-10 PM.

Damaging straight line winds (58 mph or greater) is the primary threat Wednesday along with large hail over 1 inch in diameter. The tornado threat is low but can’t be ruled out.