there’s quite a dynamic weather situation unfolding across the United States this week. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening:
- Central and Southern Plains: Expect increasing chances of unsettled weather and severe thunderstorms. The development of an upper trough over the western U.S. will trigger thunderstorm activity across the Great Plains and parts of the Midwest. Cold fronts crossing the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley will spread showers and isolated thunderstorms before reaching the Northeast. Some areas, particularly in northern New England, may see precipitation ending as snow.
- Southern Plains: A trailing cold front will bring thunderstorms from northern and West Texas to central Oklahoma. Some storms may be severe, capable of producing large hail and damaging wind gusts. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk of severe weather. Severe thunderstorms are also possible as low pressure develops over the central High Plains, with heavy rain leading to isolated instances of flash flooding.
- Great Basin and Pacific Northwest: Unsettled weather is forecast for parts of the Great Basin and eventually the Pacific Northwest as upper ridging erodes, bringing beneficial rainfall. Thunderstorms over the central Great Basin are expected, with temperatures reaching the 80s and 90s in the southwest and 60s and 70s in the Intermountain West.
- Great Lakes and Eastern U.S.: Cooler weather is expected, with the potential for frost from the southern Appalachians to southern New England. Temperatures may drop into the 30s, potentially damaging sensitive plants. However, temperatures are forecast to rebound in the afternoon, with midweek temperatures dropping below average for the Great Lakes and Northeast.
Overall, it’s a week of varied weather conditions across different regions of the country, with some areas experiencing storms and temperature fluctuations while others see warmer temperatures and beneficial rainfall.