Major Spring Storm Expected to Impact Central U.S. This Week

As we transition from winter into spring, the central United States is no stranger to significant storms. This week will begin with mild temperatures and relatively calm weather, but conditions are set to change dramatically as a powerful storm system develops later in the week.

A large area of low pressure is forecast to form over the far western U.S. on Thursday, moving across the Rockies and into the Great Plains on Friday before turning northeast toward the Upper Midwest over the weekend. Forecast guidance suggests this system could deepen rapidly, with central surface pressure dropping to near 970 mb—an indicator of a powerful storm. As a result, this system could bring a range of hazardous weather, including strong winds, severe thunderstorms, and heavy snow.

SURFACE PRESSURE ANOMALY

Strong Winds Expected

As the storm intensifies while moving into the Great Plains late Thursday into Friday, strong winds will develop across the region.

By Friday afternoon and evening, wind speeds of 20-40 mph are expected across portions of the southern Plains and Southwest. However, localized gusts could exceed 60-65 mph, posing risks of power outages, difficult travel conditions, and blowing dust.

As the storm progresses eastward into the weekend, gusty conditions will spread into the Midwest. While not as intense, wind gusts of 40 mph or more will still be possible.

Potential for Heavy Snow

On the north and northwest sides of the low-pressure system, a band of snow—potentially heavy—is expected to develop. Snowfall will begin over the Rockies late Thursday before spreading across the northern Plains and Upper Midwest from Thursday through Saturday.

While the potential for significant snowfall exists, it is still too early to determine exact amounts and locations. Residents in the northern U.S. should stay alert for forecast updates as the system develops.

Severe Thunderstorms Possible

Ahead of the storm, warm and somewhat moist air will be in place, creating conditions favorable for severe thunderstorms. Instability, combined with strong winds aloft, could lead to widespread severe weather from Friday into Saturday across portions of the Great Plains, Midwest, Mississippi Valley, and Deep South.

The Storm Prediction Center has already outlined the potential for severe weather on both days. However, one key factor that could limit the severity of storms is moisture availability. Some forecast models suggest that moisture could be somewhat limited, which would reduce the system’s ability to produce widespread severe thunderstorms.

As we move closer to the event, forecast confidence will increase, and a clearer picture of the severe weather threat should emerge by mid-to-late week.

Stay Informed

This is shaping up to be a significant storm system with a variety of potential impacts. We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates throughout the week. Be sure to follow us on social media and check back regularly for the latest forecast information!

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Thermodynamic Solutions (“TDS Weather”) provides professional weather consulting services to a variety of industries including: professional and minor league sports, snow removal and landscaping, golf courses and turf management, colleges and universities, and hospital networks. With nearly two decades of living and forecasting in the Ohio Valley region, our meteorologists provide custom, reliable forecasts that help clients SAVE and MAKE money in their daily operations. Our services include commercial and agricultural forecasting in the short and long ranges, lightning alerts and on-site hazardous weather monitoring, 24/7 on-call decision support services, forensic weather reporting, and more! For weather consulting inquiries, please contact us at info@tdsweather.com.