Day 3 Convective Outlook
Issued: · Valid: –
Summary
Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are possible across parts of the northern and central Plains as well as from northern Georgia into southeast Virginia through Friday. These storms may produce large hail in the Plains or damaging wind gusts in the eastern United States.
Product Text
000 ACUS03 KWNS 261908 SWODY3 SPC AC 261907 Day 3 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0207 PM CDT Wed Aug 26 2026 Valid 281200Z - 291200Z ...THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PARTS OF THE NORTHERN AND CENTRAL PLAINS...AND FROM NORTH GA INTO SOUTHEAST VA... ...SUMMARY... Isolated strong to severe storms are possible across northern Georgia into the Carolinas and the northern/central Plains. ...Northern/Central Plains... An upper ridge, centered from the southern Rockies to the western Dakotas will persist on Friday. Some enhancement to west/northwesterly flow aloft is forecast, and a surface trough will develop across the northern and central High Plains. Southerly low-level flow to the east of the surface trough will transport 60s F dewpoints northward from the central into the northern Plains. As a low-level jet strengthens during the evening, thunderstorm development is possible. Capping may limit surface-based convection. However, forecast soundings indicate supercell wind profiles amid moderate instability and steep midlevel lapse rates. If storms develop, large hail will be possible. ...North GA into southeast VA... Upper troughing will persist across the eastern U.S. on Friday. Surface high pressure will build over the Midwest while a surface trough extends from the southern Mid-Atlantic into the southern Appalachians. East of the trough, a very moist airmass will be in place. Daytime heating of this very moist/high PW airmass will support moderate destabilization, and thunderstorm clusters are expected to develop over higher terrain. Vertical shear will be weak, limiting organized convection. Nevertheless, wet microbursts could produce sporadic strong/locally damaging wind gusts. ..Leitman.. 08/26/2026 $$