Day 4-8 Outlook

Day 4-8 Convective Outlook  
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0356 AM CST Wed Jan 28 2026

Valid 311200Z - 051200Z

...DISCUSSION...
Severe weather is unlikely through the extended forecast period. A
highly amplified mid-level flow pattern over the CONUS will continue
through this weekend and into the first part of next week. A
prominent upper low will amplify over the East Coast as a strong
surface cyclone develops offshore. Ridging over the western US will
support strong high pressure and a cold/dry continental air mass
over much of the US. This will largely suppress inland moisture
transport, outside of far south FL, and subsequent thunderstorm
potential for the next several days.

SPC 0830Z Day 3 Outlook

Day 3 Convective Outlook  
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0230 AM CST Wed Jan 28 2026

Valid 301200Z - 311200Z

...NO THUNDERSTORM AREAS FORECAST...

...SUMMARY...
Thunderstorms appear unlikely Friday.

...Synopsis...
Mid-level flow over the US will continue to amplify as persistent
eastern troughing is bolstered by the arrival of a northern stream
shortwave from Canada and a deepening southern stream wave over the
Gulf Coast. As these systems merge, a strong upper low is excepted
to develop across the Southern US deepening a surface low over the
eastern Gulf and western Atlantic into early Saturday. At the same
time, strong ridging aloft will build over the West supporting
increasingly strong northwesterly flow. This will allow a strong
cold front and Arctic high pressure to move out of southern Canada
reinforcing offshore flow over the lower 48. As such, inland
moisture return and the potential for thunderstorms appears
unlikely.

..Lyons.. 01/28/2026

SPC Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook

Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook  
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0140 AM CST Wed Jan 28 2026

Valid 291200Z - 301200Z

...NO CRITICAL AREAS...

...Synopsis...
A shortwave trough will move across the central Rockies on
D2/Thursday, with a surface low developing across eastern Colorado.
A mostly dry cold front will shift southward across the Southern
Plains. Some period of increasing surface wind (first from the south
becoming west and northwest as the front passes) will be possible.
Temperatures will remain cool, with another reinforcing shot of cold
arctic air behind the front. The continued cool conditions in
addition to snow pack and generally wet fuels should keep fire
concerns low.

..Thornton.. 01/28/2026

...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product...

SPC Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook

Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook  
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0141 AM CST Wed Jan 28 2026

Valid 281200Z - 291200Z

...NO CRITICAL AREAS...

...Synopsis...
Fire weather concerns are expected to remain low today across the
CONUS. A cool and dry air mass will remain in place, with extensive
snow pack reaching from the Southern Plains into portions of the
Northeast. Overall, the recent cold and wet pattern has improved
status of fuels in many areas. Some dry conditions will continue
across southern Florida but mostly light winds will preclude the
need to include any areas.

..Thornton.. 01/28/2026

...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product...

SPC 0700Z Day 2 Outlook

Day 2 Convective Outlook  
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1255 AM CST Wed Jan 28 2026

Valid 291200Z - 301200Z

...NO THUNDERSTORM AREAS FORECAST...

...SUMMARY...
Thunderstorms are unlikely Thursday.

...Synopsis...
Broad-scale troughing over the eastern US is forecast to continue
Thursday as a shortwave perturbation moves out of the
Rockies/southern Plains into the Southeast. This will allow a weak
surface low to deepen over the lower MS Valley and Gulf Coast with a
cold front moving through the southern Plains. A second stronger
trough will move south out of Canada and deepen over the northern US
as western ridging continues to build. This will intensify surface
high pressure over the northern US as a reinforcing surge of Arctic
air moves south. This will keep inland moisture return and
thunderstorm chances minimal Thursday.

..Lyons.. 01/28/2026