After a stretch of dry days, North Texas residents should brace for potential storms Thursday evening, with forecasters warning of damaging winds and large hail. The National Weather Service has upgraded the region’s risk level from marginal to slight, meaning isolated severe storms are possible across the Metroplex between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Meteorologists Kylie Capps and Dan Henry of report that Thursday will begin with partly sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 60s, gradually climbing near 90°F by the afternoon. However, increasing cloud cover and rising moisture levels will create the perfect setup for strong storms later in the day. According to the current timeline, storms may begin forming near the Red River between 2 and 3 p.m., spreading into the northern counties by mid-afternoon, and reaching the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Rain coverage is expected to affect 40 to 50 percent of the area.

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has placed most of North Texas under a Level 2 (Slight Risk) on a 1-to-5 scale for severe weather. The main threats include:

• Damaging winds exceeding 60 mph

• Large hail that could potentially damage vehicles and property

• A low-end risk for isolated tornadoes, especially north of the Metroplex

Looking ahead, the weather may disrupt Memorial Day weekend plans as well. Saturday is expected to be calm, but conditions begin to shift on Sunday afternoon, when storm chances increase significantly.

Forecasters anticipate overnight storms continuing into Memorial Day morning. Rainfall could impact early events and travel plans, with 30 to 40 percent rain coverage expected on Monday. However, forecast models are still uncertain about how quickly the weather will clear after the storms pass through. Residents are urged to stay weather-aware, especially if planning outdoor activities during the weekend. Keep devices charged, monitor local forecasts, and have a safety plan in place in case of sudden severe weather changes.