Late-season severe potential?

The Storm Prediction Center thinks so - and I can't really disagree at this point. They've highlighted much of Iowa in a slight risk of severe weather for Wednesday, with the severe potential extending into Illinois on Thursday.

The timing of the cold front will have a huge impact on our risk of potent thunderstorms. Our weather models have continued to slow down this week's big weather-maker. Before, we were seeing a frontal passage in the early hours of Thursday; a lack of instability would preclude any significant thunderstorm activity. However, we're now looking at the potential for an afternoon frontal passage, which would give us a better chance of dealing with thunderstorms, some of which could be active. Needless to say, we'll be keeping a close eye on this facet of this week's strong weather system.