Severe Weather Threat Increases as Week Progresses

March is living up to its reputation of a volatile month thus far. Forecasters are predicting that the threat of severe weather is going to persist for days across the storm-weary central U.S. Here is an updated look at the latest forecast models, including more information on the timing and potential impacts of these storms.

Severe Weather Threats Increase

A classic tug-of-war between warm and cold air masses is fueling the development of days of stormy conditions across the nation's heartland. The storm action initially fired up in Texas on Wednesday before stretching to the north and into the Ohio Valley. Potential impacts include drenching rainfall, large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes.

The long-range forecast is predicting that the storms will linger well into next week in a zone from Texas to the Midwest. While the storms will start on a docile note, the impacts are expected to increase in intensity heading into next week.

An influx of warm and humid air traveling up from the Gulf is clashing with cooler air circulating in the northern third of the U.S. The mass of cold air has come in from both the Pacific to the west and Canada to the north. Strong winds whipping around in the upper levels of the atmosphere are amplifying the impacts of this active weather pattern. All of the storms will ride along the various fronts that are pushing through the region.