Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Central US as Storms Loom July 2026

The Storm Prediction Center issued Mesoscale Discussion 1571 for parts of southwest and south‑central Nebraska, western and central Kansas, warning of strong to localized severe gusts of 55‑70 mph and hail up to 1.25 inches. Isolated hail and strong wind gusts may continue into the early morning as a convective line moves across the region.

In Texas, forecasters expect isolated severe storms on July 9‑10 across North, East and the ArkLaTex, with possible damaging wind gusts, heavy rain, frequent lightning, flash flooding and occasional hail. A heat dome is set to bring triple‑digit temperatures to much of the state later in the week.

Further east, the Cape Girardeau (MO) area faces a slight risk of severe weather Thursday night with wind gusts around 60 mph, quarter‑sized hail, and heavy rainfall that could cause flash flooding. A marginal risk continues Friday and Saturday, and a flood watch remains in effect through early Sunday, July 12.