Latest news with #JoeLundberg
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Spring cold snaps to bring hard freezes, snow to Midwest, Northeast
Spring officially arrived Thursday morning, but winter still has some fight left and will send rounds of cold air and snow across the northern states, from the Plains to the Midwest and Northeast. At the start of March, AccuWeather's Long-Range Team warned that the polar vortex could reach part of the central and eastern U.S. during late March into April. The movement and weakening of the polar vortex will help to push back warm air in the North Central and Northeast through the first days of spring. The shift in the polar vortex will force storms to track far enough south to bring temperatures and precipitation similar to late winter. But because it is spring, this will not be like a big, burly blast of subfreezing or subzero Fahrenheit air lasting for days, as would typically happen in the dead of winter. It will likely result in more days with temperatures near or even below the historical average rather than above from the Midwest to the Northeast in the coming weeks. This will lead to hard freezes in the Midwest and Northeast, so gardeners should not be tempted by the recent retreat of wintry conditions. The same pattern can lead to episodes of frosts and freezes in critical areas of the South Central and Southeast states where blossoming and spring planting are underway. AccuWeather meteorologists are tracking a storm that will produce snow and a wintry mix across the Upper Midwest and interior Northeast from this weekend into early next the app? Unlock AccuWeather Alerts™ with Premium+ Snow is forecast to largely avoid the major Midwest cities of Minneapolis, Chicago and Detroit, as well as the Northeast metro areas of Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York City. Some snow or a wintry mix may get close into Boston for a time late in the weekend. Accumulating snow is likely from parts of North Dakota to northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, central and northern Michigan, upstate New York and central and northern New England as a storm moves along from Saturday to Monday. "More wintry systems will follow the storm from Saturday to Monday during late March and into early April," AccuWeather Senior Long-Range Meteorologist Joe Lundberg said. "If those storms edge farther to the south, then some slushy accumulation of snow could get in close to Chicago, Detroit and New York City as well." Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts™ are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
High winds to hike wildfire threat later this week with southern Plains as epicenter
A strengthening storm will generate a vast field of strong winds to nearly a million square miles of the United States later this week. The combination of powerful gusts and dry brush will create a perfect recipe for fast-moving wildfires, especially over the southern Rockies and Plains, AccuWeather meteorologists warn. The same storm destined to bring feet of snow to the Sierra Nevada and inches of rain to some low elevations in California will trigger a severe weather outbreak over the Central states late this week. As the storm grows in size and strengthens, the wind field will expand. By Friday, winds can gust to over 40 mph anywhere from the Intermountain West to the Great Plains, Mississippi Valley and Great Lakes. Gusts in some areas can reach hurricane force (75 mph), outside of severe thunderstorms. The AccuWeather StormMax™ wind gust for this event is 85 mph. On the colder side of the storm, from the central Rockies to the northern Plains, the winds will whip falling snow around and may create blizzard conditions. Farther south, as the winds kick up from Arizona to western Texas and western Oklahoma, they will pick up dust that can create dangerous dust storms. The risk of high-profile vehicle roll-overs due to crosswinds can accompany the drastic drop in visibility. Dust from the Southwest states can be blown as far east as the Great Lakes and Atlantic coast by the weekend. The greatest risk to lives and property will be from fast-moving wildfires. The combination of dry brush, warm and dry air and high winds can allow any sparks from utility lines or power equipment to ignite a blaze that can be extremely fast-moving and difficult to the app? Unlock AccuWeather Alerts™ with Premium+ This risk will begin to ramp up on Wednesday and reach a peak on Friday before easing back this weekend. "Friday's wildfire risk covers a large part of the southern Rockies and High Plains and is forecast to reach extreme levels from northwestern Texas to southwestern Oklahoma," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Joe Lundberg said. "This is about as an extreme event as there can be." Due to the vast storm system late this week, the risk of wildfires will increase anywhere there is dry brush and gusty winds, from the Rockies to the Appalachians. Extreme caution should be taken when using outdoor power equipment, open flames and outdoor grills. In some cases, the hot exhaust system can ignite the brush beneath vehicles. In windy conditions, brush can become dry enough to catch fire just a day or two after a soaking rain. Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts™ are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Warm storm to trigger quick flooding in northeast US, southeast Canada
A storm tracking well to the north will pull warm air along with it and raise the risk of flooding from rapidly melting snow near the United States and Canada borders at midweek, AccuWeather meteorologists warn. There is the likelihood of ice jam flooding, urban flooding and quick rises on some open streams and rivers in the region. Recent mild weather has reduced or wiped out snow cover and ice on rivers in some areas of the Midwest and Northeast in the past week. Deep snow or ice remains on some rivers from Wisconsin and northern Michigan to upstate New York, northern New England and the southern tier of Ontario and Quebec. It's these locations that will be most prone to flooding from the same storm that's triggering a severe weather outbreak farther south in the U.S. this week. In some cases, such as in the Upper Midwest and the southern tier of Canada, heavy rain will compensate for lower temperatures in the 30s to lower 40s F. In areas a bit farther to the east, in upstate New York and northern New England, only a light to moderate amount of rain will fall, but temperatures surging well into the 40s, 50s, and perhaps even near 60 with humid air can accelerate the melting of the snow cover. "One zone we are watching closely is from northern Wisconsin to northern Michigan for significant stream and river flooding," AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said. Sault Ste. Marie and Marquette, Michigan, as well as Rhinelander, Wisconsin, are among the towns in the northern U.S. at risk for significant flooding. Enough rain will fall where snow is on the ground or where large piles of snow block storm drains to lead to urban flooding, with potentially deep enough water on some streets and highways to stall vehicles and block traffic. Canadian major metro areas such as Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City and Toronto are likely to experience urban flooding problems from the thaw and storm. "The greatest concern is where there is enough runoff into area streams and rivers that are frozen to lead to ice jam flooding," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Joe Lundberg said. In areas where the snowmelt is more gradual but significant from the storm, such as the northern portions of New York and New England, stream levels will surge first and then area river rises will follow that may last for days. While the flooding cycle may not be as rapid and severe as some flooding events in the past, there may be flooding along unprotected areas of rivers that can last for days after the storm has departed. Some roads and bridges may be blocked by high water. Farther south, enough rain will fall from downpours, squalls or severe thunderstorms to lead to incidents of flash flooding from the Ohio Valley to the central Appalachians, the mid-Atlantic and southern New England as the storm advances from west to east into Wednesday the app? Unlock AccuWeather Alerts™ with Premium+ Travel delays are likely due to ponding on city streets and poor drainage areas on some highways. As the squalls and severe thunderstorms push through, ground stops at area airports from the major to secondary hubs will occur. A sweep of cold air in the wake of the storm will follow from west to east during the latter part of this week and into the weekend. The cold air and freeze will slow and stop the runoff, but it will take a while for the rivers to respond. Large puddles, flooded areas and dampness on area roads will freeze. Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts™ are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
When will springlike weather arrive for good?
Springlike weather is on the horizon for much of the United States in March following weeks of relentless winter storms and waves of brutally cold Arctic air. Some folks have already had a taste of spring, and that will spread as the calendar flips to March. "Spring arrived early across much of the southern U.S. this year. Temperatures have been well above the historical average for February across Florida and much of the Gulf Coast region after January's historic winter storm that brought snow and a deep freeze to beaches along the Gulf," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said. Meteorological spring begins on Saturday, March 1, followed by astronomical spring on the equinox, which takes place at 5:01 a.m. EDT on Thursday, March 20. For millions in the East, consistent warmth will arrive between these two dates. "We expect two more storms through March 10. Once those storms pass by, a pattern change will bring consistent springlike weather south of the I-70 corridor, across much of the mid-Atlantic, Southeast and South Central states," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Joe Lundberg said. While milder air could occasionally reach into the Northeast and Midwest, it is still a bit too early to stash away winter coats and snow boots for the season. "There can be some downturns with a high frequency of cold fronts expected this April and May from the Midwest to the Northeast. In fact, we have May turning near to below average in the Northeast," Pastelok said. With the Jefferson Memorial in the background, Cherry Blossoms bloom in Washington, Tuesday, March 31, 2009. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds) Across the West Coast, more storms are in the offing, which could bring some spells of cooler weather but also some much-needed rain and mountain snow before the arrival of the dry season. "There could be a few more opportunities for rain across parts of California through March. Drenching rainfall earlier this month has greatly reduced the risk of wildfires in Southern California through much of March," Lundberg explained. Nationwide, days will become noticeably longer throughout March, with places like Seattle gaining more than 100 minutes of daylight.
USA Today
18-02-2025
- Climate
- USA Today
'Warming up to 24 below zero:' Record cold surges across central U.S.
'Warming up to 24 below zero:' Record cold surges across central U.S. Show Caption Hide Caption Looking ahead to early 2025 spring forecast Forecasters look ahead and break down the early 2025 spring forecast, breaking down the weather patterns for each region of the United States. A bitter blast of Arctic air – which is related to the polar vortex – is roaring south across the central U.S. Tuesday, bringing with it record cold temperatures and "dangerously" low wind chills. Extreme cold warnings and cold weather advisories currently span the northern Plains and upper Midwest down to central Texas. "Some of the harshest conditions of the winter will be felt in the upcoming five to seven days," said AccuWeather meteorologist Alex Sosnowski in an online forecast. "Be sure to dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside," the National Weather Service advised. Over a hundred daily record lows could be set from the Plains to the northern Gulf Coast through Friday mornings, reported. Some of that cold air will also spill into the East, including much of Florida. "The cold will envelop the entire nation east of the Mississippi from late [this] week into [the] weekend," AccuWeather senior meteorologist Joe Lundberg said. How cold will it get? With the frigid air mass' continued southward plunge, temperatures well below zero are forecast from Montana and the Dakotas to the Upper Midwest and sections of the central Plains, with -30s near the Canadianborder by Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service said. Wind chills will reach dangerously cold levels between -30 and -60 degrees in these areas. "The wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in minutes, and hypothermia shortly thereafter," the weather service in Bismarck, North Dakota, said. High temperatures are forecast to only stay in the single digits for the next couple of afternoons in the central Plains, setting numerous cold high temperature records. By Thursday morning, the arctic air will reach the Gulf Coast, where temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing with numerous low temperature records expected to be broken from the central Plains southward to the Gulf Coast. 'On Thursday morning, 87% of the contiguous United States will have temperatures below freezing,' WGN-TV weather producer Bill Snyder told Block Club Chicago. 'It's a pretty impressive breed of cold we're going to endure.' 'Warmed up to 24 below zero' In Minot, North Dakota, city spokeswoman Jen Kleen her car's temperature gauge said it was -32 degrees while she was driving to work on Tuesday morning. It had warmed up to -24 degrees by the time she'd arrived. "At a certain point, you can only put on so many layers," she said. A water main beneath one of the city's main streets burst Monday, flooding and freezing an intersection, and crews worked for hours in -20 degree temperatures to make repairs, Kleen said. She said residents are trickling their faucets to prevent freezing pipes, and worried that the cold may cause power lines to snap. "We have a lot of appreciation for our utilities folks who are keeping us going," Kleen said. "We have one more night of the really cold stuff. By next Friday maybe it will be 40 degrees out." Asphalt failing in North Dakota In Bismarck, North Dakota, state patrol Sgt. Jenna Clawson Huibregtse, said the extreme cold has been causing problems for drivers, in part because asphalt patches on the roads are failing, buckling and causing flat tires. She said she's been reminding troopers to keep every bit of skin covered when they're outside – even to the point of wearing ski goggles if necessary. "People are saying at least it's not windy," she said. "We just try to hold onto those happy thoughts about warmer weather and wait for things to warm up." Frigid, then mild in Chicago In Chicago, after several days of bitter cold, some milder air will be on the way. High temperatures will reach the 20s by the end of the week, the 30s by the weekend and the 40s by early next week, according to Snyder of WGN-TV. 'Seven days from now, you're going to have temperatures that feel 50 to 60 degrees, if not even more, warmer than we have this week,' Snyder said to Block Club Chicago. 'It's amazing how fast things can change!' he said. Cold reaches to Colorado Across Colorado, the cold temperatures arrived following a welcome dumping of snow for ski resorts. Vail reported 53 inches of snowfall over the past week, but temperatures on Monday night fell to about zero overnight and were expected to drop even further Tuesday night, with some forecasts calling for -3 degrees. In response to the cold, Denver city officials opened a temporary around-the-clock warming shelter for people living without permanent shelter. Cold temperatures are one of the biggest causes of death and injury for unhoused people. Crashes caused by the snow and cold prompted Colorado Department of Transportation officials to close portions of north-south Interstate 25 near the Wyoming border, and east near the Nebraska border, CDOT weather stations showed temperatures of around -8 degrees. Dangerous in Dallas Temperatures and wind chills will plummet later today, reaching dangerously cold levels each night this week, the National Weather Service in Dallas said. "The coldest conditions will be Wednesday and Thursday mornings as a few locations experience wind chills near -10 degrees." The weather service said that "conditions will be life-threatening for unsheltered or marginally sheltered populations." "Bundle up if you will be outdoors! Don't forget to check on your neighbors and pets! Protect outdoor pipes and let the indoor faucets drip."
