National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Extreme Heat Continues; Severe Thunderstorms into Upper Midwest; Strong Bering Sea Storm

Wildfires and poor air quality continue for the Pacific Northwest, Rockies and extended into the Plains. Severe thunderstorms possible for the northern Plains and upper Midwest on Monday along a frontal boundary. Another boundary will focus showers and thunderstorms for the eastern seaboard with localized heavy rainfall possible. For Alaska, a strong Bering Sea storm will bring winds and rainfall. Read More >

Automatically generated image showing areas of convective available potential energy.

 

Thumbnail of an automatically generated image showing areas of convective available potential energy. Thumbnail of an automatically generated image showing areas of convective available potential energy. Thumbnail of an automatically generated image showing areas of convective available potential energy.
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4 Panel Display | Animated Loop

CAPE 

This is a surface based Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) measurement only.  In the cool season, elevated instability may be much higher than surface based cape.

On average, CAPE of 1000 J/Kg is usually sufficient for strong to severe storms. CAPE of 3,000 to 4,000 J/Kg or higher is usually a signal of a very volatile atmosphere that could produce severe storms if other environmental parameters are in place.

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