The ingredients meteorologists look for when tracking severe storm potential

The biggest factor weighing in on Michiana's chances for severe storms is the development of the low-pressure system and associated cold front to the west.

Should storms develop earlier in the day, we have a chance of receiving the recharging remnants that are lower risk due to lack of energy. If the storm development is delayed, our severe chances get higher.

A secondary factor is the presence of daytime heating in Michiana. If the early day stays quiet and sunny, the chance for severe weather increases due to the loss of atmospheric stability.

But if cloudy skies or light showers persist, the likelihood of severe weather later in the day goes down.

Storms require three main components: moisture, instability, and a source of lift.

Moisture can come from a variety of sources, but for Michiana the typical culprit is from the presence of a low-level jet or a warm conveyor belt from the Gulf of Mexico ahead of a low-pressure system.

Instability is more general, originating from a variety of sources such as daytime heating or steep atmospheric lapse rates.

Lift also comes in a plethora of forms, namely from terrain/friction, a passing front, low level air convergence, the presence of a jet streak, etc.

For severe thunderstorms, the presence of either directional or speed wind shear is necessary as well.