Weather Wonders: Sweeping Changes from Coast to Coast
By
Amy Freeze
Dive into the latest weather trends as Amy Freeze explores diverse weather patterns affecting the US, from thunderstorms to sunny skies.
Meteorologist Amy Freeze highlights diverse weather conditions affecting the US this week. From rainfall in Seattle to sunny days in Tampa, read on for the latest weather news!
Meteorologist Amy Freeze reports on the evolving weather patterns across the United States, offering a deep dive into the specifics of each region. From light showers in Seattle to severe storms in New Orleans and the warm sunny temperatures of Tampa, this extensive blog post covers all the essential weather information you need to plan your week. The post also discusses the risks associated with severe weather and the pleasant surprises of unexpected warmth in certain regions.
On the national radar, we see a mix of weather patterns across the country. Starting in the Northwest, light showers are expected around Seattle moving southeastward. Meanwhile, Denver is dealing with a patchwork of rain and ice, with snow in the higher elevations of the Rockies contributing to slippery roads and difficult travel conditions. Heading further south, a significant band of rain is impacting central portions of Texas, with heavier downpours intensifying over Dallas, causing potential travel disruptions.
In the Central Plains, attention shifts to Oklahoma City, where a severe weather system is developing, bringing the risk of thunderstorms and gusty winds. This system stretches east towards the Mississippi Valley, where Kansas City experiences moderate rainfall, while lighter showers are found in the surrounding regions.
Moving to the Southeast, storms are sparking up near Houston, and scattered showers are touching eastern parts of Atlanta, creating damp conditions for evening commuters. Up the East Coast, clearer skies dominate, although New York sees rain moving in, creating wet conditions for late-night travelers.
Finally, the Northeast, including Washington D.C., will brace for oncoming system-driven rain. With this mix of weather, regions such as Dallas and Oklahoma City should remain vigilant for the heaviest precipitation tonight.
Today’s national high temperatures reveal quite a mix across the country. In the Southeast, Tampa is feeling the heat with a high of 92 degrees, making it one of the warmest spots today. Atlanta follows closely at 79 degrees, while New Orleans remains comfortable at 77 degrees. Heading north, Minneapolis stands out with a strong 85 degrees, contrasting sharply with the cooler temps of Billings at only 48 degrees. Out west, Los Angeles is experiencing a cooler day at 64 degrees, compared to Phoenix which reaches a warmer 74 degrees. Meanwhile, Chicago enjoys a pleasant high of 73 degrees as we wrap up the day.
Low temperatures tomorrow morning will see significant drops across the U.S. In the Midwest, Minneapolis will start the day at a chilly 37 degrees, while Chicago will dip to 44. Heading further south, we’ll see lows of 55 in Dallas and 61 in New Orleans. The Southeast is cooler, with Atlanta at 39 and Nashville dropping to a brisk 35 degrees. Notably, parts of the northern tier are flirting with freezing, including Denver at 32 degrees. Expect even colder air in the Rockies, with Salt Lake City hovering around 41 degrees.
Tomorrow’s high temperatures across the region show a mix of seasonal warmth and notable highs. Dallas is expected to reach 78 degrees, while Houston warms up to a balmy 80 degrees. Atlanta will have a comfortable high of 72 degrees. In contrast, New Orleans is set to soar to 90 degrees, well above average for this time of year. However, Memphis will remain cooler, with a high of only 62 degrees. These variations are influenced by differing air masses, with some areas experiencing a warm front pushing through.
A continuing unsettled pattern is prominent in the Southeast over the next two days. The Storm Prediction Center highlights potential severe storms from New Orleans stretching to Tampa, with damaging winds and isolated tornadoes possible. Moving northward, rain will sweep through Atlanta into Charlotte, impacting the Thursday morning commute. Meanwhile, the Great Plains from Dallas to Kansas City will see rain showers, with Oklahoma City at risk for severe weather due to an unstable air mass meeting an approaching front. In the Northeast, expect persistent showers spanning from Washington to New York, possibly impacting travel with slick conditions. On the West Coast, look for rain showers pushing through San Francisco, with potential mountain snow above 5,000 feet in the Sierras. Seattle remains drier as the Pacific Northwest experiences a break from wet weather. Sunny and mild conditions prevail across the Southwest desert regions, keeping things calm and dry.