Severe Storms Bring Heavy Rain And Flood Threat To Northern Plains

After days of relentless heat, a change is coming to the Plains this week. Severe weather and heavy rain are expected to develop, bringing risks of damaging winds, large hail, and flooding. Powerful storms riding high ridges will track along the northern edge of a massive heat dome currently crushing the Southwest.

The danger begins Tuesday across the Northern Plains. Afternoon thunderstorms are set to form from the Dakotas through Nebraska and into parts of the Rockies. These organized systems could produce damaging wind gusts and large hail. This activity prompted NOAA's Storm Prediction Center to issue a Level 2 out of 5 severe storm threat, with the main focus in western Nebraska.

A corridor of deep moisture will also bring heavy rain. This creates a low-end flash flood threat extending from monsoonal flow across the Four Corners region. By midweek, storms will shift south into the central Plains and Rockies. Thunderstorms are expected to reform across Kansas, eastern Oklahoma, and eastern Colorado.

Daytime heating will create plenty of instability in the atmosphere. Passing weather systems and lingering boundaries help spark these thunderstorms. Most activity remains scattered, but stronger storms could still cause damage. The overall threat for severe weather and heavy rain stays relatively low but persists. Daily chances for storms continue across the central Plains throughout the week.

Stay with FOX Weather for the latest updates on this shifting situation.