National Weather Summary
A potent storm system will drive a variety of hazardous weather across the central United States, while warm temperatures persist across much of the eastern U.S. and unsettled conditions affect the West.
A deep upper-level trough over the West is bringing significant snowfall to the Rockies and Sierra Nevada, with some locations expected to receive over a foot of snow through this morning. This system will also generate strong winds across the Southwest, with gusts up to 70 mph possible, increasing the risk of dangerous fire weather conditions across parts of the Southern Plains.
As this storm system moves into the Great Plains, it will deepen rapidly, producing widespread damaging winds from the Rockies to the western Great Lakes. A major severe weather outbreak is expected in the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys, with the Storm Prediction Center highlighting a Moderate Risk (level 4/5) for severe storms. Tornadoes, large hail, and destructive wind gusts are all possible, especially from eastern Missouri through Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky.
Further north, the same system will bring a wintry mix and eventually snow to the eastern Dakotas and Minnesota by Friday night, with blizzard conditions possible in some areas due to strong winds.
In the East, warm, spring-like temperatures will dominate, with highs reaching 20-30°F above normal across the Midwest and Great Lakes. The warmth extends as far south as Texas, where highs could approach the century mark in some locations. This warmth will spread eastward over the weekend, bringing a surge of above-average temperatures to the Eastern Seaboard.
Meanwhile, another system is expected to bring rain and mountain snow to the Pacific Northwest, maintaining below-normal temperatures in the region.
Northeast Weather Story
The Northeast will experience a pleasant, dry day today, as high pressure remains in control. Temperatures will be well above normal, with highs reaching the mid-50s to near 60°F across much of New England and Upstate New York. The warmest areas will be in the Connecticut River Valley and interior southern New England, where temperatures could push into the low 60s. Along the coast and in eastern Massachusetts, a light onshore flow will keep highs a bit cooler, in the upper 40s to mid-50s.
Clouds will gradually increase tonight as a warm front approaches from the southwest. While most of the region will remain dry, some areas—especially in southeastern New England—could see low clouds and patchy fog developing overnight.
Weekend Outlook:
A complex storm system will impact the Northeast later in the weekend. A strong low-pressure system tracking through the Great Lakes will push a warm front through the region Saturday night into Sunday, followed by an approaching cold front on Sunday night.
- Saturday: A mix of sun and clouds, with temperatures remaining well above normal, especially across interior New England. Highs will again reach the 50s and low 60s. However, increasing clouds and an onshore breeze will keep coastal areas cooler.
- Sunday: A strong southerly flow ahead of an approaching cold front will bring a period of heavy rain and gusty winds. Wind gusts of 40+ mph are possible, especially in coastal areas and the higher elevations. Rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches are possible, with locally higher amounts. This could lead to urban and poor drainage flooding, especially where the ground remains saturated.
- Monday: The cold front moves through, bringing an end to the rain. A brief cooldown follows, but temperatures will still remain above normal.
Overall, the warm temperatures and increasing moisture will contribute to significant snowmelt in northern New England, increasing the potential for river rises and ice jam concerns early next week. Those near rivers and streams should stay alert to changing water levels.