Today will feature clear skies and pleasant temperatures near 80°F, with ideal conditions for viewing the total lunar eclipse. However, a strong storm system will impact the middle and eastern USA starting Friday, bringing significant wind gusts and risks of severe weather, including tornadoes, along with fire weather concerns. The situation is projected to evolve into a mix of rain and snow over the weekend, particularly affecting the upper Midwest.
The upcoming weather distributions present a stark contrast between today and the stormy conditions expected this Friday. A significant storm system will affect the middle to eastern United States by the weekend. This storm mirrors last week’s storm regarding its strength but will track to the north, leading to severe weather potentials, unlike the blizzard warning witnessed previously due to the cold sector.
Today, pleasant weather conditions are anticipated, with highs near 80°F and clear skies. The evening promises ideal viewing conditions for the total lunar eclipse, with lows around 55°F to 60°F, accompanied by a gentle breeze from the southeast at 15-25 mph.
An active weather pattern is forecast for Friday, with High Wind and Fire Weather Watches currently in effect. Kansas City remains under a High Wind Watch, and regions extending from Chicago to much of the Plains are likely to experience winds gusting from the south and southwest at 40-60 mph, which poses a risk for power outages due to the intensity of the wind.
In addition, a Fire Weather Watch is issued due to extremely dry winter brush. With an abundance of dry material, the potential for fires starting and rapidly spreading is considerably high. The current forecasts do not indicate a need for rain; however, the dryness of the brush increases the fire risk.
The severe weather outlook for Friday reveals a significant risk of severe storms, particularly in the northeast part of the viewing area, rated at levels 2 and 3 of 5. The eastern portions of Missouri see heightened risks, escalating to a level 4 out of 5, where the likelihood of tornadoes is a critical concern.
On Friday morning, a strong storm will enter the Plains with a central pressure akin to that of a low-end category 2 hurricane. While land friction may temper wind speed, gusts of 50-60 mph are anticipated from the west, with no precipitation expected east of the Rockies at this time.
By 3 PM on Friday, thunderstorms are expected to form near the state line, escalating to severe conditions as they move northeast at 60 mph. The dominant winds will be south-southwest at 20-30 mph, gusting up to 60 mph. Therefore, the areas to the east and northeast of Kansas City will likely face the greatest severe threat.
By 5 PM, forecasts indicate these thunderstorms will intensify, posing risks for damaging winds and tornadoes, primarily in the level 3 and 4 zones. Transitioning to 10 PM, gusty winds exceeding 60 mph will continue, while temperatures drop into the 40s as the severe thunderstorms approach regions like Milwaukee and Chicago.
Saturday’s weather will reveal diminishing winds under a mostly cloudy sky, with highs around the low 50s. The blizzard conditions forming in the eastern Dakotas will ultimately drift northward into Canada.
Of note is the expectation for new severe thunderstorms across the southeastern USA and in the eastern Midwest. By Saturday, these regions may experience a risk level of 3-4 out of 5, particularly affecting the Tennessee Valley.
As for precipitation, a limited rainfall forecast indicates mere traces up to .25 inches, mainly affecting areas east of the Mississippi River and north of Omaha. In terms of snowfall, areas around Sioux City, Iowa, can anticipate 3-6 inches of snow throughout the Friday to Sunday period.
With these significant shifts in weather patterns occurring, a heightened state of awareness is recommended. Enjoy the upcoming weekend and ensure health and safety are prioritized during these extreme weather changes.
Upcoming weather conditions will showcase a pronounced contrast, with favorable weather today, leading into a stormy Friday marked by high winds and potential severe storms. Key areas are under weather advisories indicating significant risk levels for severe weather, particularly regarding tornado threats and potential for fire hazards. Observers should prepare for decreasing temperatures and changing weather as the storm system approaches, affecting many regions through the weekend.
Original Source: www.kshb.com
