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National Severe Weather Outlook for the next week

Here you'll find all available severe weather outlooks on one page.

Overview of the threat for the next few days

Thursday, August 13
Friday, August 14
Saturday, August 15
Sunday, August 16
Monday, August 17
Tuesday, August 18
Wednesday, August 19
Thursday, August 20

Outlook for Thursday, August 13

Outlook Summary

Thunderstorms with severe wind gusts and hail will be possible tonight from parts of north-central Illinois into southwest Ohio. Severe gusts and hail will be possible in parts of the central Plains. A few severe gusts may also occur in parts of the Intermountain West.

Outlook Images

overview

tornado low

wind 15%

hail 5%

Detailed Outlook

SPC AC 140100

Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0800 PM CDT Thu Aug 13 2026

Valid 140100Z - 141200Z

THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM PARTS OF NORTH-CENTRAL ILLINOIS INTO SOUTHWEST OHIO

### SUMMARY

Thunderstorms with severe wind gusts and hail will be possible tonight from parts of north-central Illinois into southwest Ohio. Severe gusts and hail will be possible in parts of the central Plains. A few severe gusts may also occur in parts of the Intermountain West.

Mid Mississippi and Ohio Valleys/Southern Great Lakes

The latest water vapor imagery shows a mid-level anticyclonic flow pattern over the central U.S., with west-northwesterly flow located over the eastern U.S. At the surface, a quasi-stationary front is analyzed from northeast Missouri to northern Kentucky. Surface dewpoints along and to the south of the front are in the 70s and low 80s F, which is contributing a west-northwest to east-southeast axis of strong instability. The RAP has MLCAPE along this axis in the 3000 to 5000 J/kg range. To the north of the instability axis, short-term model forecasts move a subtle shortwave trough east-southeastward through the Midwest tonight. Large-scale ascent associated with the trough coupled with increasing low-level flow will likely result in the development of a line of strong storms. This is forecast to take place late this evening, with the line moving southeastward from north-central Illinois across central Indiana and into southwest Ohio. Severe wind gusts will be possible with this line segment.

Central Plains

Southwesterly mid-level flow is currently in place over much of the southwestern and central U.S. An embedded mid-level shortwave trough appears to be moving into the central High Plains. Ahead of this feature, the RAP has an axis of moderate instability located from northern and western Kansas into northeastern Colorado, along which MLCAPE is estimated in the 1500 to 2500 J/kg range. Scattered thunderstorms were ongoing near the instability axis early this evening in eastern Colorado with another cluster in central Kansas. Increasing low-level flow from this evening into the overnight period will likely sustain convective development. Hail and isolated severe wind gusts will be possible with the stronger cells.

Intermountain West

On water vapor imagery, multiple shortwave troughs appear to be moving through the Intermountain West. Ahead of these features, scattered thunderstorms are ongoing across much of Nevada and Utah. The RAP is currently analyzing an axis of instability from southeast Nevada into north-central Utah along which MLCAPE is estimated to be in the 750 to 1000 J/kg range. Near the instability axis, the RAP also has low to mid-level lapse rates in the 7.5 to 8.5 C/km range. This thermodynamic environment should support an isolated potential for severe wind gusts this evening.

..Broyles.. 08/14/2026

CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 1 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 0600Z

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Outlook for Friday, August 14

Outlook Summary

Isolated strong to severe storms are possible from the central High Plains into parts of the Midwest, Ohio Valley, and Mid-Atlantic on Friday.

Outlook Images

overview

tornado 2%

wind 5%

hail 5%

Detailed Outlook

SPC AC 131730

Day 2 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1230 PM CDT Thu Aug 13 2026

Valid 141200Z - 151200Z

THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM THE CENTRAL HIGH PLAINS EASTWARD INTO PARTS OF THE MIDWEST…OHIO VALLEY…AND MID-ATLANTIC

### SUMMARY

Isolated strong to severe storms are possible from the central High Plains into parts of the Midwest, Ohio Valley, and Mid-Atlantic on Friday.

East-central Plains into the Midwest

Isolated severe potential will be possible with early morning elevated storms within a warm advection regime. These storms will generally diminish with time given the weakening low-level jet. An MCV will likely emanate from the central High Plains and impact the Mid-Missouri Valley during the afternoon. This MCV will track along the periphery of the upper ridge that will be building into the Plains/Midwest. Model guidance varies with regard to how organized this MCV and associated surface reflection will be. Moderate to strong instability is expected to develop near the effective surface boundary by the afternoon despite some expected cloud cover. The timing of convective development is quite uncertain. The HRRR suggests strong enough convergence at the surface that storms will form by late afternoon. Many other CAMs suggests development after 00Z as the low-level jet increases again. Storms that do develop will likely have supercell characteristics initially, but weak flow above 500 mb will tend to lead to outflow dominance and clustering. Should confidence in late afternoon development increase, there may be greater severe potential than currently expected.

Ohio Valley into parts of the Mid-Atlantic

Convection will likely be ongoing across portions of the Ohio Valley into the central Appalachians early Friday morning. Model guidance generally suggests that an MCV feature will be associated with this activity, though the strength of the MCV varies. Regardless of how strong the MCV is, there is a consistent signal for cloud cover limiting destabilization/low-level lapse rates across much of these regions. Stronger mid-level winds will also be displaced from the larger buoyancy values in the Carolinas. Given the timing of the MCV, it appears likely that wind damage potential will be spatially limited. There will be a small corridor of stronger heating in southeast Virginia/northeast North Carolina which could see locally stronger storms.

CO Front Range into the central High Plains

Moist east/southeasterly surface winds into the higher terrain will again promote scattered storm development within the Front Range. Deep-layer shear will not be overly strong, but a few storms will be capable of isolated hail and severe winds. Additional storms are expected in the hotter, well-mixed environment to the south and east. These storms will be capable of severe winds. There will be some increase in the low-level jet during the evening. The strongest 850 mb winds will be focused farther east, however. If a cluster can form, it may persist farther eastward into later in the evening.

..Wendt.. 08/13/2026

CLICK TO GET WUUS02 PTSDY2 PRODUCT

NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 2 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 0600Z

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Outlook for Saturday, August 15

Outlook Summary

Strong to locally severe storms are possible on Saturday from the central High Plains eastward into parts of the Midwest, Ohio Valley, southern/central Appalachians, and Carolinas.

Outlook Images

overview

any severe 5%

Detailed Outlook

SPC AC 131937

Day 3 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0237 PM CDT Thu Aug 13 2026

Valid 151200Z - 161200Z

THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM THE CENTRAL HIGH PLAINS INTO THE MIDWEST…PARTS OF THE OHIO VALLEY…AND SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS

### SUMMARY

Strong to locally severe storms are possible on Saturday from the central High Plains eastward into parts of the Midwest, Ohio Valley, southern/central Appalachians, and Carolinas.

Central High Plains eastward into parts of the Midwest/Ohio Valley

Two MCV features are forecast with one within the central Plains and another near southern Lake Michigan early on Saturday. These MCVs will interact with a moist airmass north of surface boundary. While the MCV moving into the Mid-Missouri Valley be moving into areas that will have been affected by the lead MCV. Destabilization during the afternoon in Iowa/Illinois is not certain, but a few strong to marginally severe storms could develop.

Depending on the evolution/track of the lead MCV, destabilization within parts of the Ohio Valley appear more probable. The main questions continue to be early precipitation/cloud cover and where the MCV will track relative to the greater buoyancy. A corridor of greater severe potential could develop in parts of eastern Indiana into Ohio, though confidence is still low at this time.

Colorado Front Range

A moist airmass will remain near the higher terrain. Scattered convection is again possible from the Front Range into parts of the adjacent Plains. Deep-layer shear will still not be very strong. While convection may be somewhat disorganized, the strongest storms could produce hail and isolated severe winds.

Southern Appalachians

Given the moist airmass, scattered storm development within the higher terrain is possible. Modest northwesterly flow aloft may allow a few strong to marginally severe storms to move off of the terrain and pose a threat of wind damage.

..Wendt.. 08/13/2026

CLICK TO GET WUUS03 PTSDY3 PRODUCT

NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 3 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 0730Z

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Outlook for Sunday, August 16

Outlook Images

any severe predictability too low

Note on Medium Range Outlooks

You are looking at an outlook that is part of the medium range forecast (the outlook for days 4-8). The most important thing to note is that lack of a risk does not mean zero risk. Generally speaking, confidence has to be pretty high for the Storm Prediction Center to have an outlook area this far into the future.

When no specific risk areas are shown, you might see one of these phrases:

If you bookmark this page, it will continue to update with each new outlook that is issued.

Days Covered in this Outlook

Day 4 Sunday, August 16 predictability too low
Day 5 Monday, August 17 predictability too low
Day 6 Tuesday, August 18 predictability too low
Day 7 Wednesday, August 19 predictability too low
Day 8 Thursday, August 20 predictability too low

Detailed Outlook

ZCZC SPCSWOD48 ALL ACUS48 KWNS 130906 SPC AC 130906

Day 4-8 Convective Outlook CORR 1 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0406 AM CDT Thu Aug 13 2026

Valid 161200Z - 211200Z

CORRECTED FOR TEXT

DISCUSSION

D4/Sunday

Strong to potentially severe thunderstorms are expected to develop in association with a cold front that will move across parts of the Midwest, Ohio Valley, and northern Mid-Atlantic on Sunday. Deep-layer shear is generally forecast to remain weak, but moderate unidirectional westerly flow (potentially 30-40 kt in the 850-500 mb layer) within a favorably moist and unstable environment will support potential for multiple storm clusters with wind-damage potential.

Uncertainty remains regarding frontal timing and the influence (if any) of MCVs emanating from the Plains and Midwest. Also, given the generally weak deep-layer shear, the magnitude of the severe threat will be strongly influenced by the extent of pre-convective heating and steepening of low-level lapse rates. Confidence is too low to add a 15% area at this time, though severe probabilities will likely be needed later in the outlook cycle.

D5/Monday

The front will move southeastward on Monday into parts of the mid-MS/lower Ohio Valleys and Mid-Atlantic/Carolinas. Scattered storms are again expected along/ahead of the front. Some weakening of low/midlevel flow is expected and deep-layer shear will remain modest at best, so the severe threat may remain rather isolated.

Farther west, increasing moisture and instability within a modest west-northwesterly flow regime could result in some severe-storm potential from the central High Plains into the Dakotas.

D6/Tuesday - D8/Thursday

Predictability regarding the upper-level pattern begins to wane by early/mid next week. In general, periodic bouts of severe storms may continue across parts of the central/northern Plains and Upper Midwest, along the periphery of a persistent upper ridge. A less-organized severe threat may also persist near the remnant frontal zone across parts of the Southeast/Carolinas.

..Dean.. 08/13/2026

CLICK TO GET WUUS48 PTSD48 PRODUCT

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Outlook for Monday, August 17

Outlook Images

any severe predictability too low

Note on Medium Range Outlooks

You are looking at an outlook that is part of the medium range forecast (the outlook for days 4-8). The most important thing to note is that lack of a risk does not mean zero risk. Generally speaking, confidence has to be pretty high for the Storm Prediction Center to have an outlook area this far into the future.

When no specific risk areas are shown, you might see one of these phrases:

If you bookmark this page, it will continue to update with each new outlook that is issued.

Days Covered in this Outlook

Day 4 Sunday, August 16 predictability too low
Day 5 Monday, August 17 predictability too low
Day 6 Tuesday, August 18 predictability too low
Day 7 Wednesday, August 19 predictability too low
Day 8 Thursday, August 20 predictability too low

Detailed Outlook

ZCZC SPCSWOD48 ALL ACUS48 KWNS 130906 SPC AC 130906

Day 4-8 Convective Outlook CORR 1 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0406 AM CDT Thu Aug 13 2026

Valid 161200Z - 211200Z

CORRECTED FOR TEXT

DISCUSSION

D4/Sunday

Strong to potentially severe thunderstorms are expected to develop in association with a cold front that will move across parts of the Midwest, Ohio Valley, and northern Mid-Atlantic on Sunday. Deep-layer shear is generally forecast to remain weak, but moderate unidirectional westerly flow (potentially 30-40 kt in the 850-500 mb layer) within a favorably moist and unstable environment will support potential for multiple storm clusters with wind-damage potential.

Uncertainty remains regarding frontal timing and the influence (if any) of MCVs emanating from the Plains and Midwest. Also, given the generally weak deep-layer shear, the magnitude of the severe threat will be strongly influenced by the extent of pre-convective heating and steepening of low-level lapse rates. Confidence is too low to add a 15% area at this time, though severe probabilities will likely be needed later in the outlook cycle.

D5/Monday

The front will move southeastward on Monday into parts of the mid-MS/lower Ohio Valleys and Mid-Atlantic/Carolinas. Scattered storms are again expected along/ahead of the front. Some weakening of low/midlevel flow is expected and deep-layer shear will remain modest at best, so the severe threat may remain rather isolated.

Farther west, increasing moisture and instability within a modest west-northwesterly flow regime could result in some severe-storm potential from the central High Plains into the Dakotas.

D6/Tuesday - D8/Thursday

Predictability regarding the upper-level pattern begins to wane by early/mid next week. In general, periodic bouts of severe storms may continue across parts of the central/northern Plains and Upper Midwest, along the periphery of a persistent upper ridge. A less-organized severe threat may also persist near the remnant frontal zone across parts of the Southeast/Carolinas.

..Dean.. 08/13/2026

CLICK TO GET WUUS48 PTSD48 PRODUCT

← back to overview

 

Outlook for Tuesday, August 18

Outlook Images

any severe predictability too low

Note on Medium Range Outlooks

You are looking at an outlook that is part of the medium range forecast (the outlook for days 4-8). The most important thing to note is that lack of a risk does not mean zero risk. Generally speaking, confidence has to be pretty high for the Storm Prediction Center to have an outlook area this far into the future.

When no specific risk areas are shown, you might see one of these phrases:

If you bookmark this page, it will continue to update with each new outlook that is issued.

Days Covered in this Outlook

Day 4 Sunday, August 16 predictability too low
Day 5 Monday, August 17 predictability too low
Day 6 Tuesday, August 18 predictability too low
Day 7 Wednesday, August 19 predictability too low
Day 8 Thursday, August 20 predictability too low

Detailed Outlook

ZCZC SPCSWOD48 ALL ACUS48 KWNS 130906 SPC AC 130906

Day 4-8 Convective Outlook CORR 1 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0406 AM CDT Thu Aug 13 2026

Valid 161200Z - 211200Z

CORRECTED FOR TEXT

DISCUSSION

D4/Sunday

Strong to potentially severe thunderstorms are expected to develop in association with a cold front that will move across parts of the Midwest, Ohio Valley, and northern Mid-Atlantic on Sunday. Deep-layer shear is generally forecast to remain weak, but moderate unidirectional westerly flow (potentially 30-40 kt in the 850-500 mb layer) within a favorably moist and unstable environment will support potential for multiple storm clusters with wind-damage potential.

Uncertainty remains regarding frontal timing and the influence (if any) of MCVs emanating from the Plains and Midwest. Also, given the generally weak deep-layer shear, the magnitude of the severe threat will be strongly influenced by the extent of pre-convective heating and steepening of low-level lapse rates. Confidence is too low to add a 15% area at this time, though severe probabilities will likely be needed later in the outlook cycle.

D5/Monday

The front will move southeastward on Monday into parts of the mid-MS/lower Ohio Valleys and Mid-Atlantic/Carolinas. Scattered storms are again expected along/ahead of the front. Some weakening of low/midlevel flow is expected and deep-layer shear will remain modest at best, so the severe threat may remain rather isolated.

Farther west, increasing moisture and instability within a modest west-northwesterly flow regime could result in some severe-storm potential from the central High Plains into the Dakotas.

D6/Tuesday - D8/Thursday

Predictability regarding the upper-level pattern begins to wane by early/mid next week. In general, periodic bouts of severe storms may continue across parts of the central/northern Plains and Upper Midwest, along the periphery of a persistent upper ridge. A less-organized severe threat may also persist near the remnant frontal zone across parts of the Southeast/Carolinas.

..Dean.. 08/13/2026

CLICK TO GET WUUS48 PTSD48 PRODUCT

← back to overview

 

Outlook for Wednesday, August 19

Outlook Images

any severe predictability too low

Note on Medium Range Outlooks

You are looking at an outlook that is part of the medium range forecast (the outlook for days 4-8). The most important thing to note is that lack of a risk does not mean zero risk. Generally speaking, confidence has to be pretty high for the Storm Prediction Center to have an outlook area this far into the future.

When no specific risk areas are shown, you might see one of these phrases:

If you bookmark this page, it will continue to update with each new outlook that is issued.

Days Covered in this Outlook

Day 4 Sunday, August 16 predictability too low
Day 5 Monday, August 17 predictability too low
Day 6 Tuesday, August 18 predictability too low
Day 7 Wednesday, August 19 predictability too low
Day 8 Thursday, August 20 predictability too low

Detailed Outlook

ZCZC SPCSWOD48 ALL ACUS48 KWNS 130906 SPC AC 130906

Day 4-8 Convective Outlook CORR 1 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0406 AM CDT Thu Aug 13 2026

Valid 161200Z - 211200Z

CORRECTED FOR TEXT

DISCUSSION

D4/Sunday

Strong to potentially severe thunderstorms are expected to develop in association with a cold front that will move across parts of the Midwest, Ohio Valley, and northern Mid-Atlantic on Sunday. Deep-layer shear is generally forecast to remain weak, but moderate unidirectional westerly flow (potentially 30-40 kt in the 850-500 mb layer) within a favorably moist and unstable environment will support potential for multiple storm clusters with wind-damage potential.

Uncertainty remains regarding frontal timing and the influence (if any) of MCVs emanating from the Plains and Midwest. Also, given the generally weak deep-layer shear, the magnitude of the severe threat will be strongly influenced by the extent of pre-convective heating and steepening of low-level lapse rates. Confidence is too low to add a 15% area at this time, though severe probabilities will likely be needed later in the outlook cycle.

D5/Monday

The front will move southeastward on Monday into parts of the mid-MS/lower Ohio Valleys and Mid-Atlantic/Carolinas. Scattered storms are again expected along/ahead of the front. Some weakening of low/midlevel flow is expected and deep-layer shear will remain modest at best, so the severe threat may remain rather isolated.

Farther west, increasing moisture and instability within a modest west-northwesterly flow regime could result in some severe-storm potential from the central High Plains into the Dakotas.

D6/Tuesday - D8/Thursday

Predictability regarding the upper-level pattern begins to wane by early/mid next week. In general, periodic bouts of severe storms may continue across parts of the central/northern Plains and Upper Midwest, along the periphery of a persistent upper ridge. A less-organized severe threat may also persist near the remnant frontal zone across parts of the Southeast/Carolinas.

..Dean.. 08/13/2026

CLICK TO GET WUUS48 PTSD48 PRODUCT

← back to overview

 

Outlook for Thursday, August 20

Outlook Images

any severe predictability too low

Note on Medium Range Outlooks

You are looking at an outlook that is part of the medium range forecast (the outlook for days 4-8). The most important thing to note is that lack of a risk does not mean zero risk. Generally speaking, confidence has to be pretty high for the Storm Prediction Center to have an outlook area this far into the future.

When no specific risk areas are shown, you might see one of these phrases:

If you bookmark this page, it will continue to update with each new outlook that is issued.

Days Covered in this Outlook

Day 4 Sunday, August 16 predictability too low
Day 5 Monday, August 17 predictability too low
Day 6 Tuesday, August 18 predictability too low
Day 7 Wednesday, August 19 predictability too low
Day 8 Thursday, August 20 predictability too low

Detailed Outlook

ZCZC SPCSWOD48 ALL ACUS48 KWNS 130906 SPC AC 130906

Day 4-8 Convective Outlook CORR 1 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0406 AM CDT Thu Aug 13 2026

Valid 161200Z - 211200Z

CORRECTED FOR TEXT

DISCUSSION

D4/Sunday

Strong to potentially severe thunderstorms are expected to develop in association with a cold front that will move across parts of the Midwest, Ohio Valley, and northern Mid-Atlantic on Sunday. Deep-layer shear is generally forecast to remain weak, but moderate unidirectional westerly flow (potentially 30-40 kt in the 850-500 mb layer) within a favorably moist and unstable environment will support potential for multiple storm clusters with wind-damage potential.

Uncertainty remains regarding frontal timing and the influence (if any) of MCVs emanating from the Plains and Midwest. Also, given the generally weak deep-layer shear, the magnitude of the severe threat will be strongly influenced by the extent of pre-convective heating and steepening of low-level lapse rates. Confidence is too low to add a 15% area at this time, though severe probabilities will likely be needed later in the outlook cycle.

D5/Monday

The front will move southeastward on Monday into parts of the mid-MS/lower Ohio Valleys and Mid-Atlantic/Carolinas. Scattered storms are again expected along/ahead of the front. Some weakening of low/midlevel flow is expected and deep-layer shear will remain modest at best, so the severe threat may remain rather isolated.

Farther west, increasing moisture and instability within a modest west-northwesterly flow regime could result in some severe-storm potential from the central High Plains into the Dakotas.

D6/Tuesday - D8/Thursday

Predictability regarding the upper-level pattern begins to wane by early/mid next week. In general, periodic bouts of severe storms may continue across parts of the central/northern Plains and Upper Midwest, along the periphery of a persistent upper ridge. A less-organized severe threat may also persist near the remnant frontal zone across parts of the Southeast/Carolinas.

..Dean.. 08/13/2026

CLICK TO GET WUUS48 PTSD48 PRODUCT

← back to overview

 

National Risk Overview

Thursday, August 13
TORNADO: low
HAIL: 5%
WIND: 15%
Friday, August 14
TORNADO: 2%
HAIL: 5%
WIND: 5%
Saturday, August 15
ANY SEVERE: 5%
Sunday, August 16
ANY SEVERE: predictability too low
Monday, August 17
ANY SEVERE: predictability too low
Tuesday, August 18
ANY SEVERE: predictability too low
Wednesday, August 19
ANY SEVERE: predictability too low
Thursday, August 20
ANY SEVERE: predictability too low

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