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Categorical Day1 2000Z Outlook
  
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Day 1 Convective Outlook  
   NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
   0256 PM CDT Fri Oct 16 2026

   Valid 162000Z - 171200Z

   ...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM PARTS OF THE
   MID-ATLANTIC INTO SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND...

   ...SUMMARY...
   Thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds and perhaps a
   tornado or two are expected across parts of the Mid-Atlantic into
   southern New England this afternoon and early evening.

   ...20Z Update...
   Only two changes are made to the outlook for this issuance. The
   first change is to trim the western edge of the slight risk and
   associated wind and tornado probabilities, to account for the
   eastward progression of a cold front. The second change is to trim
   the western edge of the thunder line from much of the Ohio Valley
   and central Appalachians Mountains.

   ..Broyles.. 10/16/2026

   .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 1129 AM CDT Fri Oct 16 2026/

   ...Mid-Atlantic States/southern New England...
   A large-scale positive-tilt upper-level trough will approach the
   region, with a modest buoyancy/high-vertical shear scenario expected
   to be favorable for low-topped/fast-moving storms capable of wind
   damage near/ahead of a cold front. Such severe potential is expected
   to maximize across the Delmarva and eastern Pennsylvania into New
   Jersey and southern New York.

   Stratus remains very prevalent across much of the region late this
   morning, although visible satellite imagery reflects a rather quick
   erosion south to north across southern Virginia, and this same trend
   should continue for east of the Blue Ridge/Appalachians spine
   especially across Virginia into eastern Pennsylvania and perhaps
   nearby parts of New Jersey/Delmarva.

   A related surface low over southern Ontario will develop
   east-northeastward today into southern Quebec, as a trailing cold
   front sweeps east-southeastward across the eastern states. Low-level
   moisture is forecast to gradually increase ahead of the front
   through the afternoon, and MLCAPE should gradually increase into the
   500-1000 J/kg range, particularly where more cloud breaks occur.
   But, lapse rates through low/mid levels are likely to remain quite
   poor (reference BUF/PIT/IAD 12Z observed soundings). This should
   temper overall updraft strength to some extent, and low-topped
   convection which develops along/near the front may produce little
   lightning, especially with northward extent into southern New
   England.

   Even with the potential thermodynamic limitations, favorable
   deep-layer shear will support some updraft organization. Given the
   strength of the low/mid-level flow, isolated strong/gusty winds may
   occur. A low-topped convective line will further develop across
   central into eastern Pennsylvania and southern New York this
   afternoon. Convectively augmented wind gusts capable of producing
   scattered damaging winds will likely be the main severe risk as this
   activity spreads quickly eastward across the northern Mid-Atlantic
   and southern New England through early evening. A few line-embedded
   mesocirculations could also occur, which could yield a brief
   tornado.