KTKA

Severe storm chances increase by Thursday evening across the 49 Viewing Area. As a storm gathers strength to the west, it will draw warm and humid air north into Northeast Kansas. This fetch of warm, wet air will aid in the production of a few stronger storms, mainly after dark, Thursday. Some of these storms may produce some lower-end severe hail, but widespread severe weather is not likely with this first batch of storms.

Thursday: Clouds hang around for the morning hours as storms slide just southwest of the 49 Viewing Area. Turning sunny and more humid by afternoon. Highs around 85°F. Southeast winds at 5-10 mph.

Thursday night: Scattered thunderstorms. A few storms could punch out some hail. More humid. Lows around 65°F. Southeast winds at 5-10 mph.

Friday: Morning storms, then some clearing. Muggy. Highs around 86°F. Southeast winds at 10 mph.

Thursday morning weather models are hinting at a severe weather situation for mainly Friday evening and overnight. Strong winds higher up, plenty of moisture and good (twisting) lift near the ground, may facilitate supercell thunderstorms after 4 p.m. Friday. Damaging winds, hail and a few tornadoes are possible with these storms as they likely roll east along I-70 and Hwy. 36. There is the potential that these storms may stay severe well after dark, too. Stay tuned.

Good news: Friday night's storm system may actually help to shove the bulk of storm chances south come the Fourth of July. Latest thoughts point at Saturday afternoon and early evening storm chances to hover closer to the Kansas-Oklahoma line. We still could get some storms, but better bets would hold off until after midnight Sunday, when storms a bit further west possibly roll in.

Stay tuned to ktka.com, Channel 49.1, 49.2 and your NOAA Weather Radio for later statements on the severe weather potential during the next 48 hours.

Best,

Alex