Day 2 Convective Outlook  
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1201 AM CDT Sat May 02 2026

Valid 031200Z - 041200Z

...THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PORTIONS
OF MISSOURI AND ILLINOIS...

...SUMMARY...
A few strong thunderstorms are possible across parts of
northern/central Missouri and central Illinois on Sunday.

...Lower MO/Mid-MS Valleys...

Moderate deep-layer northwesterly flow will overspread the region as
a series of shortwave impulses migrate through an upper trough
oriented over the Midwest and eastern U.S. Temperatures aloft will
be quite cold (around -20 C at 500 mb), resulting in steep midlevel
lapse rates across the Mid-MS Valley region. At the surface,
boundary layer moisture will remain limited in the wake of a prior
cold frontal passage, resulting in Gulf moisture remaining well
offshore. Most guidance suggests dewpoints in the 50s are possible
along a corridor ahead of a weak surface front. While low-level
moisture will be limited, steep midlevel lapse rates will foster
1000-2000 J/kg MLCAPE. Model guidance remains unclear with regard to
convective initiation, but heating into the 70s will allow for an
uncapped environment. While deep-layer flow will mostly remain
unidirectional, speed shear will support supercell wind profiles
with 35+ effective shear magnitudes and elongated hodographs. 

While overall storm coverage may remain low, and the risk is
conditional, if storms develop, isolated large hail and locally
strong gusts will be possible during the afternoon and evening.

..Leitman.. 05/02/2026