From Texas to the Midwest: Where Severe Storms Could Strike This Week

November is known in meteorological circles as the secondary severe weather season. That reputation is already coming to fruition this year as a potent storm is unleashing severe thunderstorms across the central U.S. Here is a look at this dynamic weather maker and what you should expect in the coming days.

Secondary Severe Weather Season in Full Swing Across the Central U.S.

A powerful storm system is pushing across the central U.S. to start the week, ushering in the threat of heavy rain, hail, high winds, and flash flooding. This system will eventually track into the eastern U.S. as the week progresses.

The energy associated with this system will tap into the moisture-rich air coming up from the Pacific and the Gulf as it reaches the Plains states. The combination of this moisture and the energy is what fueled the development of storms across a swath of land along the Interstate 35 corridor in Texas and up through Oklahoma and Kansas on Monday.

Although the severe weather threat will come with its own set of disruptions, the moisture-packed storm is good news for parts of the eastern U.S. that are next in line for the impacts. It has been particularly dry for the eastern half of the country since the beginning of October. The upcoming rain event will work to break the largely stagnant weather pattern that has marked a good chunk of the fall season.

Although the spring is best known for a prevalence of thunderstorm activity, November is traditionally known for what meteorologists call the secondary severe weather season. The frequent intrusions of cold air coming down from the north often clash with the warm and humid conditions to the south, supporting the development of volatile storms.