Tropical Storm in Gulf Could Impact Missouri Weather

Missouri is known for having a wide variety of weather, but tropical storms is not normally one of them. That could change over the next few days as computer models are hinting that Missouri could be impacted by a tropical storm in the Gulf soon.

Let's start with where this storm is now. Here's a NOAA graphic showing this tropical storm that is making landfall Tuesday

Infographic, NOAA Storm Prediction Center

I've seen estimates that this tropical storm will continue to dump heavy rainfall even after it weakens to a tropical depression after it makes landfall. There are computer models that show this system could track to the northeast once it impacts Texas which could bring it over Missouri later this week.

Infographic, Cyclocane

To state the obvious, this does NOT mean that Missouri will be impacted by a real tropical storm. What it could mean is some badly-needed rainfall for the state. I'm also hopeful that it might provide relief from the oppressive heat dome that is situated over most of Missouri this week. It might (key word) cool conditions to more bearable levels if the storm track over Missouri plays out in the real world like these computer models think. Let's hope.