Weather
As winter winds down, ski and snowboard enthusiasts are closely monitoring the latest weather forecasts. The most recent video from Direct Weather suggests that while warmer temperatures are on the horizon for much of the Eastern United States, there’s still potential for late-season snowfall in various regions, offering hope for those looking to squeeze in a few more runs before spring fully sets in.
Below is a summary of the forecast, but check out the full video for more details.
Weather Pattern Overview
A significant shift in weather patterns is expected, bringing warmer temperatures to the Eastern United States starting around March 27-31. This change comes after a brief period of colder weather. However, model guidance still suggests potential snowfall for various regions, including the Northeast, Great Lakes, Midwest, Ohio Valley, and Mid-Atlantic.
Temperature Outlook
The 6-10 day temperature outlook (March 27-31) shows the beginning of a negative PNA (Pacific North American) pattern, resulting in warmer temperatures flowing into the Central and Eastern states. Some cooler temperatures are expected in the Upper Midwest, upper Great Lakes, and northern New England. The 8-14 day outlook (March 29-April 4) maintains this pattern, with cooler temperatures in the Northwest and warmth persisting in many areas.
Precipitation and Snowfall
The precipitation outlook indicates wet conditions for much of the nation, especially in the East and the Northwest. The European model forecasts significant snowfall in the mountainous West, Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, and parts of the Northeast. The GFS model suggests a snowier outlook, with potential snowfall extending further south into the Mid-Atlantic and Ohio Valley.
Severe Weather Potential
The Storm Prediction Center has issued outlooks for potential severe weather:
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Day 1 (March 22): General thunderstorm risk for the Northwest and Midwest
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Day 2 (March 23): Marginal risk (level 1) for Kansas and Missouri
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Day 3 (March 24): Slight risk (level 2) from East Texas to parts of Tennessee, with a broader marginal risk area
Long-Range Forecast
The 3-4 week outlook (April 5-18) suggests a generally warmer pattern for most of the country, with the Northwest experiencing cooler temperatures. This long-range forecast aligns with the National Weather Service’s outlook, indicating a tendency for cooler conditions to persist in far northern areas while the rest of the country experiences near or above-average temperatures.
Jet Stream and Pattern Changes
The jet stream is expected to undergo significant changes, transitioning from a trough in the East to a more ridge-dominated pattern by the end of March. This shift will contribute to the warming trend in the Eastern states. However, the forecast suggests brief cool-downs, particularly in northern regions, may still occur.
