The start of astronomical spring this weekend brings a new severe weather threat to the mid-Mississippi Valley and the Southeast as a low-pressure system moves from the Northern Rockies into the Plains. This system will bring a cold front capable of triggering severe storms on Saturday and Sunday. While the threat is not as high as last weekend’s, it only takes one storm to cause significant damage.
Timing:
Severe weather potential exists for both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s threat is focused on the Central Plains and mid-Mississippi Valley with a possibility of large hail. It is not expected to be a widespread event.
On Sunday, the Storm Prediction Center warns of possible damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes. The threat peaks from late Sunday afternoon to early Monday as the cold front meets warm, moist air from the Gulf.
Differences in This Weekend’s Threat:
This weekend’s severe weather threat is different from last weekend’s outbreak. The Storm Prediction Center first identified the potential for severe weather back on Sunday. However, there are fewer ingredients available for severe weather this weekend, such as less instability and wind shear due to a shallower jet stream dip. The low-pressure system supporting the cold front is also farther north, and the front’s orientation is less favorable for severe storms.
Sara Tonks, a meteorologist with weather.com, holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Georgia Tech in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, as well as a master’s degree in Marine Science from Unity Environmental University.
