After quick waves of energy have been popping into the northern U.S. through the week, a more potent trough is expected to dive in from Canada on Saturday and Sunday. A few pop up storms are likely in Montana and New Mexico building off of the high country on Friday, but the more widespread threat could impact folks traveling home from their extended holiday weekend.

SATURDAY

A developing trough of low pressure on the Lee side of the Rockies will interact with moisture from return flow from the Gulf of Mexico. With high temperatures remaining in place, and relatively cooler air coming in from the north, the atmosphere will be unstable, creating strong thunderstorm updrafts. The more significant threat in the slight risk area (Level 2 out of 5) is for hail 2" in diameter or greater.

Overnight storms will stay water logged as the center of low pressure deepens and moves into the Central Plains. This could play a part in how Sunday's storms are able to rebound.

SUNDAY

Kansas and Nebraska will be at the heart of the risk for severe on Sunday. A wind driven, linear complex of storms will bring the potential for damaging wind gusts through Sunday night.

While most of the heavy rain over the weekend is expected into the central/southern plains, flood impacted communities in the Missouri and Mississippi basins should keep an eye on this system. Pockets of heavy rainfall are likely and could cause rises on local waterways. The best chance for flooding will be Sunday in Kansas and Nebraska.