Severe weather bearing down on metro-east for mid-week. Here’s the latest forecast.

Severe weather appears likely headed for the metro-east in the middle of this week.

According to Lydia Jaja, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service of St. Louis, the metro-east is at an enhanced risk of severe weather from the NOAA Storm Prediction Center — a 3 out of 5 severity level — that day.

According to the NWS website, “Severe thunderstorms appear likely on Wednesday with the potential for a significant severe weather event. All severe weather hazards including tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail will be possible.”

“With this storm threat, pretty much everything is on the table — hail, strong winds and possibly a tornado,” Jaja confirmed. “The peak time will be in the afternoon Wednesday.”

As of Monday morning, Jaja said the most severe weather likely would arrive approximately after 1 p.m., but that the timing of how long the storms will last remains uncertain.

Regarding a tornado threat, Jaja did not have an exact percentage.

But “The number is not zero, so people should really keep up to date on the forecast,” she said. “Depending on how everything happens, there is a real potential for Wednesday to be a severe threat people will want to tune into.”

Jaja offered these additional tips for Wednesday.

“People need to make sure they know where their safe space is in case they have to use it — hopefully they don’t have to,” she said. “If you have a NOAA weather radio make sure that’s turned on. Turn on the weather emergency alerts on your phone. We do post weather stories on Facebook and Twitter as well.

“If social media is your only resource, stay on top of that. There are a ton of resources to get weather information, so I recommend stay on top of that.

Here is a quick snapshot of the rest of the week:

Monday

Jaja said a small chance for afternoon thunderstorms exist, but even if those form, they do not figure to be as severe as what’s predicted Wednesday.

“The window will be pretty small for that,” Jaja said.

Tuesday

The forecast during the day looks clear, Jaja noted, with a high of 76. Storms are expected overnight.

“It’s going to be a pretty warm day,” she said. “Tuesday during the day will be perfectly fine.”

Thursday-Saturday

Jaja said a cold front will move through the area after all the storms are done, with highs dipping into the 60s. But no severe weather — or significant chance of rain — is in the forecast.

“The rest of the week will be cooler after the storms Wednesday,” she said. “Each day has highs in the 60s compared to the 70s Tuesday and Wednesday. So it will be noticeably cooler.”

Easter Sunday

As of Monday, Jaja noted Easter Sunday should produce storm-free weather. Highs are projected in the low 60s with little wind, partly cloudy conditions and only a slight chance of rain.

“I don’t think we’ll have to worry about a brisk wind chill,” Jaja said. “Overall it should be a pretty calm day.”

As Jaja noted, the National Weather Service recommends keeping plugged into the forecast as it develops, www.weather.gov. Their Facebook page is www.facebook.com/NWSStLouis.