Friday, May 13, 2011

May 13: Mesoscale Discussion #778

Mesoscale Discussion issued for:
-Much of Central and South Illinois
-Extreme East Missouri

CAPE values are currently 500-1000 j/kg along a cold front pushing eastwards.
This front should be able to provide some forcing in the atmosphere, probably enough to kick-start at least scattered storms. They are not expected to be severe, but some may be stronger than others.
Vertical shearing is rather weak at this time.
However, some residual low level lapse rates could be a producer of funnel clouds and possibly a weak tornado.
I, personally, would not issue a watch for this scenario. While I do believe a funnel cloud is possible, I am not confident in the potential for tornadoes, and do not feel confident issuing a watch if it was my choice.

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