Derecho Pattern Could Bring Severe Storms to Missouri, Illinois

In case you thought storm season was over, think again. There are many forecasters who say a dangerous derecho pattern could soon bring severe storms to both Missouri and Illinois.

I came across this share on social media today that got my attention. It's a claim that a derecho pattern is developing that could mean Missouri and Illinois would be right in the middle of an area where these damaging frontline winds could form.

What could cause derechos in Missouri and Illinois starting in mid-July?

The Midwest has already been impacted by a heat dome of sorts that caused extreme high temperatures last week and there's another one expected in the next week or so. I've heard it said that these systems cause extreme instability around the edges It's where the extreme hot air meets cooler air and upper-level jet stream winds and that's how explosive thunderstorm development begins.

Since I am not a meteorologist, I passed this derecho possibility by my wife who is one and she said there have been multiple sources pointing at mid-July into August as a time period to be watchful for storms developing around the outer areas of heat domes that create all this instability.

No, this does not mean a derecho is imminent or will happen at all. It's just a heads up to be aware that extremely volatile weather is possible over the next few weeks of summer.