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Dangerous Heat in the Central and Eastern U.S.; Severe Thunderstorms in the Plains to the Upper Midwest

A significant and dangerous heat wave will expand from the Central U.S. into the Eastern U.S and linger through much of the work week. Numerous daily record highs and warm lows are likely. Severe thunderstorms are possible from the southern Plains through the Upper Mississippi Valley. Fire weather concerns are expected to persist across the Four Corners region. Read More >

Event Summary: November 10, 2020

On November 10, 2020, a strong and quick moving cold front made its way through the Midwest. The environment ahead of the cold front was unseasonably warm, with temperatures in the upper 60s and temperatures in the 40s not far behind the front. This lead to strong baroclinicty along the front, and subsequent convection with just the right amount of instability. This is considered a high shear low CAPE (HSLC) event, where organized severe thunderstorms are favored in this environment. Potential hazards are damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes. Two tornadoes have been confirmed at this time with surveys continuing, several wind reports were received (ranging between 50-60 mph, with a few gusts >60 mph). Damage reports ranged from structural damage to tree damage. Many residents were left without power in parts of northwestern IL, leading to some schools canceling class on the 11th. Besides the strong winds, a few severe hail reports were received.

In addition, heavy rain occurred with some of the stronger storms, leading to rainfall totals over an inch. For how dry it has been, flash flooding was not much of a concern. While the environment was very moist and favorable for heavy rainfall, the fast storm motions led to little accumulation through much of our forecast area.

SPC Event Page - November 10, 2020
 

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Surface Analysis (Courtesy Weather Prediction Center)

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