ZCZC SPCSWOMCD ALL ACUS11 KWNS 021648 SPC MCD 021648 KYZ000-INZ000-ILZ000-MOZ000-021845- Mesoscale Discussion 0347 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1148 AM CDT Tue Apr 02 2024 Areas affected...Portions of southeastern MO...southern IL...western KY...and extreme southwestern IN Concerning...Severe potential...Watch likely Valid 021648Z - 021845Z Probability of Watch Issuance...80 percent SUMMARY...Once thunderstorms develop along/ahead of a cold front, they will quickly become severe, which will likely warrant watch issuance. DISCUSSION...Cu is gradually becoming more agitated along a surface wind shift line across southeastern MO, and convective initiation appears likely within the next hour or so. The airmass downstream has become at least weakly unstable, with surface temperatures warming into the mid 70s, with surface dewpoints also increasing into the mid to upper 60s. Corresponding MLCAPE generally ranges from 500-1000 J/kg at the moment, but continued daytime heating of this moist airmass should allow for additional destabilization through the afternoon. Very strong effective bulk shear of 50-60+ kt will easily support supercells with associated threat for large hail. Damaging winds will also be possible with any clusters that can consolidate along the wind shift line and spread eastward. The tornado threat remains somewhat unclear, particularly with northward extent into southern IL/IN where the airmass is still attempting to destabilize. Regardless, recent VWPs from KPAH/KVWX show ample low-level shear present to support updraft rotation and some risk for tornadoes with any supercells that can be sustained. Watch issuance will likely be needed once convective initiation appears imminent. ..Gleason/Thompson.. 04/02/2024 ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product... ATTN...WFO...PAH... LAT...LON 36949026 38038938 38408876 38358802 37758770 37218770 36628898 36689000 36949026 NNNN