National Weather Summary
The nation’s weather pattern remains active, with major temperature swings and multiple storm systems affecting different regions. A strong ridge of high pressure continues to support unseasonably warm conditions across the Midwest and Northern Plains, where widespread record highs in the 50s and 60s—potentially even low 70s in some areas—are expected. These temperatures are running 20-40 degrees above normal for mid-March. However, a powerful cold front advancing from Canada will quickly bring an end to the warmth by midweek.
Critical fire weather conditions remain a significant concern across the High Plains and parts of the Southwest. Gusty winds, dry air, and warm temperatures will elevate the wildfire risk in New Mexico, Arizona, western Texas, and parts of eastern Colorado. The fire danger will likely persist into midweek as dry downslope winds continue.
Out West, an amplified upper trough will bring rain and higher elevation snow to the West Coast, particularly California, beginning late Tuesday into Wednesday. The Sierra Nevada is expected to receive significant snowfall, while lower elevations—including coastal areas of Southern California—will see periods of moderate to heavy rain. This could lead to localized flooding concerns, particularly in burn scar areas.
The Southeast will continue to see scattered showers and thunderstorms, though the heaviest rain has shifted offshore. Meanwhile, a developing system in the central U.S. will bring increasing chances of rain and thunderstorms to the Mississippi Valley by Friday, with a risk of severe storms and heavy rainfall expanding toward the East Coast over the weekend.
Northeast Weather Story
A brief taste of early spring continues across the Northeast today, with temperatures soaring well above normal. Highs will reach the upper 50s to mid-60s across much of the region, with some interior valleys possibly touching 70°F. This warmth, combined with increasing southwesterly winds gusting up to 30 mph, will accelerate snowmelt in areas where snowpack remains.
However, this stretch of unseasonably mild weather will be short-lived. A cold front will sweep through tonight, bringing a shift to northwesterly winds and a return to more seasonable temperatures by Wednesday. Some light rain showers may accompany the front, but precipitation will be limited.
By Wednesday, colder air settles in, with highs returning to the 30s and 40s. A weak disturbance moving in Wednesday night could bring light snow to parts of the interior Northeast, particularly the Adirondacks, Green Mountains, and White Mountains, with minor accumulations possible.
Thursday will remain seasonably cool, but attention then turns to the weekend as a major storm system begins to take shape over the central U.S. By Friday and into the weekend, a surge of much warmer air will return to the Northeast ahead of this system, with highs once again climbing into the upper 50s and 60s. By Sunday, widespread rain is expected as a strong cold front sweeps through, bringing the potential for heavy rainfall and gusty winds.
For those with travel plans later in the week, be prepared for changing conditions, including potential river rises from snowmelt and rainfall. Marine interests should also monitor increasing winds and rough seas by the weekend.