Level 3 of 5 Storm Threat in Place as Severe Weather Circles the Heat Dome

Fireworks may not be the only thing lighting up the skies in the days leading up to the Fourth of July holiday. Forecasters are warning that repeated rounds of thunderstorms will circle the massive heat dome anchored over the central and eastern U.S. in the coming days. Read on for a more precise look at when and where to expect the severe weather impacts.

Storms Could Put a Wrench in Outdoor Plans This Week

Americans hoping to head outside for Fourth of July festivities this week may be dodging thunderstorms. The heat dome that is sending the mercury soaring across much of the eastern half of the nation will also supply the necessary atmospheric ingredients to fuel severe weather outbreaks. The storms are expected to pop up along the northern rim of the heat dome during the first half of the week. These storms will then creep to the south as the heat dome weakens, bringing the impacts to those who avoided them in the early days.

The forecast models signal that the storms will vary in size and power. The bulk of the activity will ignite during the afternoon and evening hours as the temperatures heat up. Most of the storms will develop along the fringe of the heat dome, as this is where the flow of air around the high-pressure zone is concentrated.

While most of the storms will roam during the peak afternoon and evening hours, the strongest events could maintain their intensity into the overnight hours. There is an outside chance that some of the potent storms could evolve into long-complex storms known as derechos. A derecho is distinguished for its ability to remain on the ground for several hours, carving a path of destruction over hundreds of miles.

Damaging winds and torrential rainfall are the most concerning aspects of this weather maker. Hail the size of golf balls is also a possibility. Lastly, frequent lightning strikes could present hazards as people gather outside for the typical holiday festivities.

Timing of Storm Activity

There are two areas of storms setting up on Tuesday. The first wave of action is impacting the Midwest and the Plains through the evening and overnight hours. The greatest chance of tornadic activity will be across northern Wisconsin and Michigan. Hail measuring the size of baseballs could be an issue in a zone from Texas and up into Nebraska.