The dryline and thunderstorms

When severe storms threaten the Plains, you'll often hear the dryline mentioned. But what is a dryline, and what is its role in severe weather?

A dryline is a boundary that separates a moist air mass from a dry air mass. Drylines often form in the Plains, separating dry desert air from tropical Gulf of Mexico moisture. You will often see thunderstorms showing up on this boundary on the WeatherRadar during the spring and early summer.

So, what role do drylines play in severe weather? Drylines can trigger thunderstorms. When the dry air behind the dryline encounters the more stable, moist air ahead, it can force the moist air upward, creating conditions for thunderstorm development. Often, isolated supercells form during this process.

A dryline often exists across Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, but it doesn't always mean severe storms are in the forecast. There has to be enough lift for storms to form. Weather & Radar's expert meteorologists will let you know when storms are in the forecast. Keep an eye on the News Feed and make sure your app alerts are turned on.

Also, if you live where the dryline often forms, keep an eye on your daily forecast for storm timing. Notice how storms are expected in Amarillo along the dryline this afternoon and evening.