A tropical 90F heat blast joining forces with a Pacific ‘atmospheric river’ will hit the United States with a ‘new generation’ of storms.
While temperatures in southern states reach summer-like highs, elsewhere faces hail-bearing thunderstorms and tornadoes.
A dramatic weather U-turn through the end of winter will push thermometers well-above average for the time of year.
But a double-whammy of tropical volatility from the south and a river of storms from the Pacific will fire-up the jet stream to unleash storm hell.
Southern states will be particularly hard hit
ACCUWEATHER
AccuWeather meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said: “The combination of warm and moist air, combined with a new generation of storms forecast to move in from the Pacific, will increase the potential for severe weather over the south-central United States next week.
“A storm tracking in this manner means there will likely be some robust thunderstorms which will tap into moist air from the Gulf and travel across the lingering warm air in Southern states.
“All modes of severe weather may be possible ranging from strong wind gusts and hail to flash flooding and perhaps a few tornadoes.”
Spring traditionally marks the start of US tornado season, although the explosive conditions may speed its arrival.
A band of heavy moisture sweeping in to the northwest– a so-called ‘atmospheric river’ – threatens Pacific-coast flooding.
Volatile atmospheric conditions will strengthen the jet stream, turning it into a storm conveyor belt on its path across America.
And despite rising temperatures, the next month could still ‘pack a punch’ from heavy snow.
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But a double-whammy of tropical volatility from the south and a river of storms from the Pacific will fire-up the jet stream to unleash storm hell
WXCHARTS
Weather Channel meteorologist Robb Ellis said: “March may have you thinking of spring, but it can still be an active winter-weather month.
“It can be tricky, because cold air from Canada encounters moisture from the Gulf surging to the north, and that can mean active winter weather including heavy snow.
“March can be one of, if not the snowiest month of the year.”
Sun lovers are urged to make the most of the warmer temperatures to the south with storms to dampen the summer joy.
Storms will regain their grip of the forecasts ahead of the weekend with strong winds, rain and hail on the way.
Adding to the misery will be an Alberta Clipper, a strong storm from Canada that pelts at speed through the US.
Weather Channel meteorologist Jennifer Gray said: “If warmer temperatures have you ready to get out and enjoy the sunshine, you might want to check the forecast because while some areas could be warm, they could also be wet.
Low pressure storm rolls into the northwest
WXCHARTS
“We are looking at a storm system pushing across the Great Lakes into New England, and while most of it will be rain, we could see a shot of snow on the northern end.
“We are going to see temperatures drop a bit, but on the whole, temperatures are going to stay on the mild side.
“Another thing to note will be the gusty winds which could impact travel all the way from the Great Lakes to the Northeast.”
A spokesman for the US National Weather Service (NOAA) added: “An Alberta Clipper system will bring scattered rain and snow showers from the Midwest to the Northeast through the next couple of days.
“Then, another clipper system will reach the upper Great Lakes late Thursday
bringing additional snowfall although above- to well-above average temperatures are expected to persist for most of the country.”
