It sounds like the central United States is in for quite a dynamic weather scenario in the coming days. Here’s a breakdown of the forecast:
- Severe Thunderstorms and Flash Flooding: The central U.S. will experience an increasing risk of severe thunderstorms and flash flooding over the next several days. This is due to an upper-level trough interacting with warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico, leading to the formation of showers and thunderstorms. There’s an Enhanced Risk of severe weather for parts of western Kansas and Oklahoma into Texas, with the potential for large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. Flash flooding is also a concern across northeast Oklahoma, eastern Kansas, southwest Missouri, and northwest Arkansas. The threat of severe weather and flash flooding will continue through the weekend.
- Fire Weather Concerns: A dryline across the southern High Plains will lead to critical fire weather conditions, with very low relative humidity and gusty winds increasing the risk of wildfires. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, and residents should be cautious due to the potential for rapidly spreading fires.
- Continued Unsettled Weather in the West: The West, including the Great Basin and Rockies, will experience unsettled weather with the passage of an upper trough. Light precipitation is expected, with some areas seeing embedded downpours and high-elevation heavy snow. The Northwest will be particularly wet, with rainfall and heavy snow in the Coastal Ranges and Cascades. This active weather will also bring a cooling trend to the region.
- Chilly Conditions in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic: High pressure building southward from Canada will bring chilly weather to the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, with Freeze Warnings and Frost Advisories issued for some areas. However, above-average warmth will persist in the Plains and spread eastward into the Midwest, Great Lakes, and Ohio Valley by Saturday.
Overall, residents and visitors across the central U.S. are urged to stay weather aware, heed warnings, and avoid flooded roads. It’s essential to have multiple ways to receive weather updates to stay safe during this active weather period.