Threat of Severe Storms Moving From the Northwest to the Plains Beginning Friday

The severe thunderstorms that roamed portions of the northwestern U.S. on Thursday are shifting into the Plains states as the work week comes to a close. How long will the storms last, and who will get caught in the crosshairs of this storm event? This is everything that you need to know heading into the weekend.

Storms Push from Northwest to Plains on Friday

Powerful winds, large hail, and the threat of wildfires sparked by lightning will be the story beginning on Friday for a large portion of the Plains. The weather maker that impacted the interior portions of the Pacific Northwest on Thursday is marching to the east on Friday, bringing the potential of severe impacts to millions of Americans as the month of May comes to an end.

Just as was the case with the storm cells in the Northwest, winds of up to 75 mph pairing with damaging hail will be the primary concerns. The frequent lightning strikes will also raise the threat of wildfires across the dry terrain.

Friday's action is forecast to set up in a zone from eastern New Mexico and southeastern Colorado, into western portions of Texas and Oklahoma, and the southwestern corner of Kansas. Cities such as Pueblo, Colorado, are under the gun for the threat of severe thunderstorms. Although the day will not be a washout, you cannot rule out the chance of rain or a storm putting a damper on outdoor activities. Highs in Pueblo will reach the low 80s before plummeting into the low 50s overnight.

Dodge City, Kansas, will be on the northernmost edge of the possible thunderstorm development. The day will start calm and sunny in this part of southwest Kansas. Storms will become more likely in the afternoon and evening hours. The forecast for Dodge City on Friday is also calling for a high of about 85 degrees, overnight lows that slide to the 60-degree mark, and winds out of the southwest at 10 to 20 mph.

It will be a sizzler of a day in Odessa, Texas. Despite cloudy skies and the chance of rain, highs will manage to make it to the 90-degree mark. It will be a breezy day in this part of the Lone Star State with winds out of the south at 10 to 20 mph. Temperatures will remain moderate overnight, bottoming out in the low 70s.