721 FXUS63 KEAX 181143 AFDEAXArea Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Kansas City/Pleasant Hill MO 643 AM CDT Thu Sep 18 2025
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Strong to marginally severe storms this afternoon/evening. Strong to damaging winds are the most likely hazard.
- Multiple rounds of showers and storms possible Friday into early next week.
- Near-seasonal temperatures (upper 70s to low 80s) Friday into early next week.&&
.DISCUSSION... Issued at 318 AM CDT Thu Sep 18 2025
The synoptic pattern over the U.S. is defined by mid to upper level ridging over the western Great Lakes Region and two closed mid to upper level lows over the northern Great Plains (one over eastern MT and one over eastern SD). A H500 shortwave within the flow of the more southerly low has produced a cluster of showers and storms over south central KS. The 850-300 MB mean wind suggests storms will continue to track to the north-northeast through the predawn hours. As of 08Z, a few showers and storms have entered the western portion of our CWA along the KS/MO border. As instability decreases farther east, showers and storms are anticipated to decay as they progress north-northeast. Chances for severe remain very limited through the morning hours given the weak shear (below 20 kts) and limited instability (500-1,000 J/kg). As we transition into the afternoon/evening, additional showers and storms are anticipated to form along and out ahead of a surface cold front that moves through the area later this evening. Increasing instability, reflected in MUCAPE values 1,000-2,000 J/kg, and 25-35 kts of shear suggest a few of the strongest storms could produce marginally severe conditions. The primary threat will be localized strong to damaging winds with small hail as a secondary threat. The SPC has issued a marginal risk for most of the area (the exception being areas to the northwest of Maryville). Given PWATs are around the 90th percentile (1.4-1.6 inches) for this time of year and the tall skinny CAPE profiles, a few of the storms could produce some heavy rain. Flooding concerns are very minimal given the elevated FFG values due to recent dry conditions. Taking a quick look at temperatures, highs today are expected to range from the low 70s to upper 80s. However, increased cloud coverage from showers and storms could impede the effects of diurnal heating resulting in high temperatures nearing the lower end of that range.
Late Thursday into early Friday, the aforementioned cold front is anticipated to move through the area bringing near-seasonal temperatures. Highs are expected to range in the upper 70s to low 80s. Chances for precip return in the evening as the two lows to our northwest commence in a Fujiwhara-type effect as they spin cyclonically around each other. The secondary low pushes a mid-level shortwave through the area bringing spotty chances for isolated to scattered showers and storms late Friday into Saturday. Additional chances for precip continue with a series of shortwaves moving through the flow Sunday into early next week. Concerning temperatures, multiple rounds of precip and lower mid-level heights, as the mid to upper level ridge weakens and moves farther east, will keep highs in the upper 70s to low 80s this weekend into early next week which is slightly above seasonal averages for this time of year.
&&
.AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z FRIDAY/... Issued at 640 AM CDT Thu Sep 18 2025
Multiple rounds of showers and storms currently (as of 11Z) spread across western MO. Conditions across the terminals are varying from VFR to IFR. Areas east of I-35, along and north of HWY-36 also have a few isolated storms. Conditions are expected to gradually improve through the late morning. Additional rounds of showers and storms expected this afternoon into the evening. Winds are anticipated to remain mostly weak through the forecast period with the exception of any wind gusts from storms. Winds become light and variable this evening.
&&
.EAX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... MO...None. KS...None.
&&
$$
DISCUSSION...Collier AVIATION...Collier
NWS EAX Office Area Forecast Discussion