Happy Sunday!
I hope you’re having a great weekend! Things look generally quiet across the country today with the exception of the central and southern U.S.. As a cold front works its way across the country, showers and thunderstorms will be possible. Some storms that develop later this afternoon and into this evening in eastern Kansas and northwestern Missouri could turn on the strong to severe side. Southern Texas also has a chance at seeing some severe weather tonight. Strong winds and heavy downpours are the main concerns. A Flash Flood Watch continues through tomorrow morning from Hebbronville to McAllen. Here’s the severe storm threat today from the Storm Prediction Center:
The biggest threats with any of the storms that develop in the Central Plains this evening will be strong, damaging winds and large hail.
Soggy Pattern Developing for the Southern U.S.
A stalled frontal boundary across the Gulf Coast states will continue to slowly meander northward through this week. Because the front is moving at such a slow pace, parts of the South and Southeast could pick up some impressive rainfall amounts. New Orleans to Mobile, AL have the potential of seeing some isolated 5″+ pockets of rain over the next five days. We’ll have to keep an eye on the risk for flash flooding. Here’s a look at the rainfall forecast across the Southeast for this upcoming work week:
Fire Danger in the High Plains
After a cold front works its way across the Northern Plains today, a much drier air mass will settle into the area. Pairing this with downslope westerly winds, increasing temperatures, and decreasing relative humidity leads to a critical fire risk across the High Plains. Winds will be sustained between 20-25mph today with gusts up to 30mph. Mild temperatures will cause RH values to drop between 10-15% in some locations.
Masters Golf Tournament
The weather looks beautiful for the final day of the Masters tournament in Augusta, GA. Great golfing conditions are on the way with plenty of sunshine, temperatures in the upper 70s, and light easterly winds.
Today’s National Forecast
Temperatures will continue to stay above average across much of the Upper Midwest today. The Twin Cities will warm into the low 70s this afternoon with a chance of thunderstorms developing by the evening hours. A beautiful day for viewing the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. with plenty of sunshine and temperatures in the upper 60s. Showers and storms are likely from Texas to Louisiana, where daytime highs will only reach the mid to upper 70s. Miami looks beautiful with temperatures in the low 80s and a slight chance of a few afternoon rain showers. Phoenix will be in the mid 80s today, but more 90s are expected later this week as a ridge of high pressure continues to build over the Southwest.
Have a great rest of your weekend!
-Meteorologist Ashley O’Connor
Follow me on Twitter!