Severe Storm Risk Across the Mid-South
A round of active weather is expected today across parts of the Mid-South and central Gulf Coast states, where conditions will become favorable for strong to severe thunderstorms. Increasing moisture and strengthening winds in the lower atmosphere will help thunderstorms develop and organize as the day progresses. Storms may begin early across parts of the southern Plains before spreading east toward Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama during the afternoon and evening. Some storms could become severe, with large hail as the primary threat, along with gusty winds and heavy downpours. Thunderstorm clusters may grow larger as they move east, bringing periods of active weather into the evening hours. Farther west, scattered storms in southern Arizona could produce small hail and gusty winds.

Critical Fire Weather Threat Across the High Plains
Dangerous fire weather conditions are expected today across parts of the central and southern High Plains as strong winds and dry air combine to increase wildfire risk. Westerly downslope winds will strengthen during the afternoon, with sustained speeds of 15 to 25 mph and even higher gusts possible. At the same time, very dry air will cause humidity levels to fall sharply, dropping to around 20 percent in the central High Plains and even lower—into the single digits—in parts of the southern High Plains. These conditions will dry vegetation and make it easier for fires to start and spread quickly. The greatest concern extends from eastern Wyoming into Nebraska and from northeastern New Mexico into the Texas Panhandle before cooler air arrives tonight.