Thunderstorms

It looks like the weather pattern over Illinois is about to get excitable again. A new forecast says the incoming heat dome which will cause temperatures to spike into the 90's is expected to ignite a storm pattern that could even include derechos in parts of the Land of Lincoln.

If you doubted the strength of thunderstorms making their way through northeast Missouri Tuesday evening, here's certifiable proof. Missouri weather stations have confirmed hurricane-force winds have already been recorded and the storms have just begun.

If you value your vehicle's exterior, you might want to park it under something Tuesday evening if you live in Missouri or Illinois. Both states are in the danger zone for explosive thunderstorm development that could include big hail and damaging wind Tuesday evening.

Since this is Missouri weather we're talking about, everything is changeable. However, you need to know that it's entirely possible and perhaps even likely that much of Missouri could be impacted by a major widespread wind damage event overnight from Tuesday into Wednesday morning.

Well, this was an unexpected weather development. Previously, forecasts called for parts of Missouri to have a chance of mild thunderstorm activity late this week. Now, parts of Missouri are suddenly in the danger zone for hail, wind and even some tornadoes Thursday afternoon.

We know that weather is tricky as there are so many variables that determine if a forecast is accurate. However, there is increasing confidence that Wisconsin is entering a danger zone of sorts with wind and lightning damage possible in parts of the state beginning Thursday.

If you've ever tried to take a picture of lightning, you know it's difficult and potentially dangerous. One Wisconsin guy did it the safe and successful way and captured an incredible lighting display as it happened over southern Wisconsin just a few days ago.

We knew that there would be a decent chance of thunderstorms across Missouri and Illinois over the Memorial Day weekend, but suddenly there is talk of tornado and hail danger due to ever-changing atmospheric developments.

My hope is for you to have a fun and safe Memorial Day Weekend. You should know that if you live in Missouri or Illinois that weather over the holiday weekend could become dangerous with conditions right for explosive storm development.

Let's hope the robots are wrong. Artificial intelligence programs from universities are predicting tornadoes and derechos for Missouri and Illinois Tuesday. Some forecasters do agree.