The storm prediction center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has outlined several days this week for the potential for strong and severe storms for parts of the Plains states and the South.
Fox Weather did a segment on NOAA’s storm predictions, reporting that they issued severe weather threats for five straight days starting Tuesday. Fox notes that, as the year heads into March, this is the time where tornado outbreaks are first seen.
Haley Meier is an on-air meteorologist for Fox Weather. In the segment, she spoke regarding the severe weather threat.
"Every day from Tuesday through Saturday, maybe even into Sunday, there is a threat for at least some potential of severe storms. All modes of severe weather are on the table this week, but each day poses a slightly different risk," states Meier.
As she explains, a mid-level jet stream dip is providing the right amount of cold air to spill into areas of the Four Corners and the Rockies. The result is a clash between the warmth in the Southern Plains and the Southeast and some of the relative cooler, drier air over the Rocky Mountains.
“We're going to have areas of low pressure that are riding along this ridge and creating multiple days of severe storms and heavy rain. Flash flood potential is also going to be something we look at in depth later on in the show,” informs Meier.
She says that, out of severe weather and flooding, flooding is borderline the more serious risk. However, according to information from the U.S. Drought Monitor, the rain could bring relief to areas that are quite dry.
Maier also said to “hang on” as more storms could be in the forecast next week.
"Looking at the models, especially next week — so I'm looking another week in advance here — does seem like we could have a big-time severe weather day. Now granted, we are about 10 days out from this event, but the signs are there, the ingredients are there,” says Meier. “So, March is going to be a season to watch."
