After facing wintry conditions from recent storms in the Midwest and Northeast, a surge of warmth is on the horizon for the central and eastern United States next week. While this brings good news for outdoor enthusiasts eager to hit the golf courses, bike paths, and sports courts, there are looming concerns that Accuweather’s Long-Range Team is closely monitoring. Signs suggest changes may be in store by the middle of the month.
As the cold air retreats towards the north following snowfall in parts of the North Central states and the Northeast, warmer conditions are set to dominate, particularly in the South Central states. With daylight saving time kicking in this weekend, longer evenings will provide ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors after work or school.
Despite the sunny forecast, areas near cold bodies of water may experience a chill from the breeze. In regions with lingering snow cover, the sun’s energy will be focused on melting the snow rather than warming the air. However, for most areas, temperatures are expected to rise to levels not seen since autumn. Chicago and Detroit are slated to experience highs in the 50s and 60s, while New York City will also see a significant jump in temperatures.
Even in typically cold regions like New England, temperatures are expected to surpass historical averages, allowing for the thawing of ice on lakes and ponds. Still, the warming trend may bring about ice jams in some rivers along the northern tier. Keep an eye out for two rounds of severe weather in the Southern and Central states over the next week or so.
The first round is likely to impact the Gulf Coast with risks of hail, damaging winds, and flash flooding this weekend. Additionally, a large storm moving from the Rockies could trigger severe weather across the Great Plains and the Mississippi Valley, accompanied by snow in the northwestern regions. Gusty winds may heighten the risk of wildfires in dry areas like the southern High Plains.
Stay informed with AccuWeather’s Long-Range Team as they track these weather developments and provide timely updates.
Meteorologist Paul Pastelok diligently monitors the polar vortex’s activity throughout the year. When the polar vortex is strong, frigid air is typically contained near the Arctic Circle. However, if the vortex weakens or distorts, it can push cold air southward into the United States. “We have observed some slight stretching of the polar vortex this winter, resulting in Arctic outbreaks. Nevertheless, the upper atmospheric polar storm has largely held firm so far,” Pastelok noted. He added, “There are clear indications now that the polar vortex may weaken, potentially leading to significant cold air surges in North America and Europe by mid-March. The specifics of these cold waves, including their magnitude, direction (eastern or western North America), and extent, will only become clear once the polar vortex breakdown occurs.” Pastelok also highlighted the challenges of spring, when the warming sun and shifting weather patterns interact with the lingering effects of the polar vortex. For enhanced safety and an ad-free experience, consider subscribing to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app to receive advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts. These AccuWeather Alerts™ are curated by expert meteorologists dedicated to monitoring and analyzing hazardous weather conditions around the clock to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.
