ZCZC SPCSWOMCD ALL ACUS11 KWNS 280228 SPC MCD 280228 MIZ000-INZ000-280330- Mesoscale Discussion 0168 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0828 PM CST Tue Feb 27 2024 Areas affected...Lower Michigan and northern Indiana Concerning...Severe potential...Watch likely Valid 280228Z - 280330Z Probability of Watch Issuance...80 percent SUMMARY...Severe threat will increase across lower Michigan and northern Indiana late this evening. Wind/hail are the primary risks. Severe thunderstorm watch will likely be issued to account for these risks. DISCUSSION...High-level diffluent flow is overspreading the central Great Lakes this evening ahead of progressive MS Valley short-wave trough. Boundary-layer moisture has increased substantially across lower MI where mid 50s surface dew points are currently observed. While surface-based instability is currently capped, sustained ascent/moistening aloft will contribute to substantial, weakly inhibited buoyancy by mid evening. Forecast soundings across this region suggest parcels lifted near 850mb will yield MUCAPE in excess of 1500 J/kg. Convection that developed over northern IL has grown upscale and is now a mature MCS as it spreads across the western portion of southern Lake MI. Additionally, a well-defined MCV has evolved near the lakeshore over eastern Lake County. While it's not entirely clear how this complex of storms will be affected as it spreads east, sustained low-level warm advection and steep lapse rates suggest this activity will likely have longevity as it spreads across lake MI into lower MI. While the ongoing storm mode and forecast soundings suggest hail/wind will be the primary risks, a brief tornado can not be ruled out. ..Darrow/Edwards.. 02/28/2024 ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product... ATTN...WFO...DTX...IWX...GRR... LAT...LON 42808670 43198441 42308381 41818470 41518676 42808670 NNNN