Nick Lilja

Nick graduated from Oregon State University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Earth Science with an emphasis in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences. He then earned a Master's from Syracuse University in 2011 in Broadcast & Digital Journalism.

All the while he has been on the air in multiple states. Now, though, he calls Mississippi home and is the Chief Meteorologist for WDAM, a local television station, and works part time as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi teaching a course in meteorology.

Severe Weather Potential – 4/23/14 Pt. 2

As the clouds clear and the daytime heating commences across the southern plains, the threat for severe weather is intensifying. And so is the wind. Gusts to 45 mph are being felt across parts of the Texas panhandle this morning as the dryline sharpens across the area. And as that develops into the afternoon we are watching for the development… Read more →

(UPDATE 12:00 PM)

If you are here checking on today’s severe weather potential, please see our latest thoughts on today’s event here

(ORIGINAL ARTICLE: 5:00 PM)

It’s not often that the closer you get to a severe weather event the more difficult it becomes to forecast.

But, that is why weather is so fascinating.

As you start your morning in places like Amarillo, Wichita, Oklahoma city, Dallas and Lubbock – it appears right now that you won’t ahve to worry about severe weather. Well, maybe in Wichita. Mainly, though, it is between all of those cities that severe weather is a possibility. And, in all honesty, a likelihood.

But it isn’t as simple as that.

Right now, the models are having a difficult time accurately working through the data this afternoon because most of the computers are over-estimating the amount of available moisture and under-estimating the morning clouds and some light rain.

Both would throw a serious wrench in Mother Nature’s plans for severe weather.

The forecast will be monitored closely, but know if you live in places like Liberal, KS, Enid, OK, Clinton, OK, Shamrock, TX, Childress, TX or Lawton, OK your weather today is about as “wait and see” as it comes. The next few hours will tell us a lot about what to expect this afternoon.

For now, be prepared for severe weather, but also keep inmind, you might dodge a bullet this afternoon.

For a complete breakdown on today’s severe weather threat click here

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma is watching parts of the Southern Plains and Great Plains for severe weather on Wednesday.

Wednesday’s Severe Weather Potential

Right now, most computer weather models show modest instability, a weak cap, and adequate shear to support severe storms.

Here is a look at a breakdown of what the 12z NAM is showing for tomorrow. And a special thanks to TwisterData.com for the use of their maps.

Easter Sunday severe weather forecast

Easter Sunday severe weather forecast

Good morning everyone! As we head into the afternoon the Storm Prediction Center is watching an area of NW Texas and SW Oklahoma for severe weather into the afternoon. After looking at all of the data from the 10z HRRR, 11z RAP and 9z SREF is looks like the threat for severe weather is there, but nothing “outbreak” worthy. In… Read more →

Works Cited: How multiple variables control TX/OK panhandle Spring severe weather

Gulf of Alaska sea surface temperatures – Here Gulf of Mexico sea surface temperatures – Here ENSO sea surface temperatures – Here Texas and Oklahoma panhandle tornado data – Here Texas and Oklahoma panhandle historical tornado data – Here Other Texas and Oklahoma panhandle tornado data courtesy the National Weather Service in Amarillo, Texas and Alan Scruggs Texas and Oklahoma… Read more →