Severe storms possible tonight
EAU CLAIRE — Storms are in the forecast for tonight, some possibly severe, as an unusually hot stretch for September approaches its end.
Wednesday's high temperature was 86 in Eau Claire, some 14 degrees above the normal. That's down from the prior two days, actually. Monday saw the thermometer top out at 88, and Tuesday reached 87.
Storms could begin in the afternoon, though evening appears to be more likely. The National Weather Service says there's a 40% chance of daytime thunderstorms, mostly after 5 p.m. There's a 90% chance of storms in the evening and overnight hours, and that's when they could become severe.
The Storm Prediction Center gives western Wisconsin a slight risk of severe weather. It's part of a lengthy band of storms that runs from the Minnesota border with Canada all the way to northern Oklahoma.
They'll be fueled by a sharp difference in temperature by altitude. The SPC says there will be "strong heating near the surface ... along with cool temperatures aloft." That difference will allow the warm air at the surface to easily rise, bringing the moisture and fuel thunderstorms need.
Hail and wind are the primary concerns.
WI_swody1_HAIL.png
Friday and Saturday will still be well above normal, with highs in the low 80s. Relief arrives Saturday night as another front brings rain and much cooler temperatures. Sunday begins a run of days in the 60s that will last at least into midweek.
