Weekly Highlights March 22nd to 28th

This week’s weather pattern across the United States will feature an active mix of severe storms, temperature swings, and recurring snow systems, particularly across the northern tier. On Sunday, severe thunderstorms are expected to develop across the Northeast, extending through the Ohio Valley and into the Mid-Atlantic. Some of these storms may become gusty and produce hail, creating hazardous conditions as they move through the region. Behind this system, a cold front has already pushed through the Northern Plains and Great Lakes, ushering in a stretch of cooler temperatures to start the week. While there may be a brief moderation in temperatures mid-week, cooler air is expected to return by the end of the week. At the same time, a clipper is bringing snow to parts of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine today. This marks the beginning of a recurring pattern, as multiple clippers are forecast to track through the region, with snowfall totals exceeding four inches by week’s end.

As the initial storm system exits into the Atlantic on Monday, additional snowfall on the backend of the system is likely across portions of New England, including southern areas of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, further adding to weekly accumulations. Another clipper is expected to move through the Northern Plains into the Upper Great Lakes on Wednesday, followed by yet another system on Thursday. This second system will bring a mix of precipitation, including rain to areas south of its track. Snowfall totals in the Upper Great Lakes are forecast to range between one and four inches, with localized higher amounts exceeding four inches across northern Wisconsin and Michigan.

As this system shifts eastward, it will once again bring snow to the New England area Friday. Meanwhile, areas south of the snowfall zone could see the development of gusty thunderstorms from the Midwest into the Ohio Valley late Thursday into Friday. With dew point temperatures climbing into the 60s, some of these storms could become severe. Rainfall is also expected to continue across parts of the Northeast south of the snow on Friday. Elsewhere, the Pacific Northwest will remain unsettled, with periods of rain and mountain snow continuing across the Northern Rockies throughout the week. In contrast, the Southwest will experience a much quieter pattern, with warm and sunny conditions dominating the forecast.

By Matt K.
Forecaster