Warm Weather Settling Across Midwest and Northeast

Posted: April 10, 2023 2:12 pm

The mercury is forecast to soar into the 80s for the first time this year in many areas of the central and eastern U.S. However, the increase in the temperatures will also increase the flooding risk while also sending allergy sufferers reaching for their medication.

Here is what you need to know about the impending warm-up.

Where You Will See the Warmer Temperatures

Nearly all of the nation will experience temperatures this week that are vastly warmer than what was recorded just days ago. The exception to the warm-up will be in the West where cooler readings will remain.

The northern Plains will see the warming trend first with the spring weather eventually moving into the Midwest and the Northeast. Accompanying the warm temperatures will be drier conditions, making for some pleasant days ahead for the eastern two-thirds of the country.

It will be a significant shift for the northern Plains, an area that saw high readings in the 30s last week. People in this part of the U.S. can look forward to temperatures that climb into the 60s and beyond. For instance, Minneapolis will experience temperature in the 60s and 70s in the coming days.

Parts of North Dakota have not seen temperatures above the 40s since the fall. With temperature expected to hit the 60s this week, it will be a noticeable change for cities such as Fargo.

Parts of the Midwest may see the mercury top out in the 80s by the weekend. This includes the city of Chicago, forecast to see temperatures flirting with the 80-degree barrier later in the week.

Warm Weather to Expand Eastward

The warmth will then expand eastward, reaching the Great Lakes, the Ohio and Tennessee valleys, and the Northeast by early week. Although this corner of the county has seen some short periods of warm weather this spring, this will be the first sustained warmer weather pattern of the year.

Cities such as Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Cleveland will see readings inch up into the 70s and potentially the 80s for consecutive days. Enjoy this warm weather while it lasts as cooler temperatures will nose back in by the end of the weekend.

Coastal areas and cities near the Great Lakes should be prepared for winds that bring down the real feel when compared to the actual temperatures. Additionally, severe weather will be back in the cards by the end of the week for the bulk of the Plains states.

Warm Weather Comes with Unwanted Consequences of Flooding

Millions of Americans will have spring fever this week as the temperatures reach their warmest levels so far this spring. While the more seasonable weather will certainly be welcome for areas of the north-central U.S. that have been experiencing winter like conditions over the last few weeks, the temperatures will also set off the spring thaw.

This annual event results in the rapid melting of the existing snowpack, sending water into the rivers and streams and creating the potential of flooding.

Several feet of snow is currently on the ground in the northern Plains and across the Upper Midwest. Temperatures that warm as quickly as is predicted tends to trigger runoff that could lead to flooding.

Areas at risk include the Red River of the North, an area with snowpack that is equivalent to about 2 to 8 inches of rain. However, this pales in comparison to some portions of the Upper Midwest that are measuring the liquid equivalent of up to 20 inches.

Runoff of this magnitude will likely create rising waters in creeks and streams before hitting the major rivers of the area. Although this is a normal occurrence for this time of the year, this year’s massive snowpack will undoubtedly make the situation more precarious if the temperatures rise too quickly.

As a result, the National Weather Service (NWS) has put the Mississippi River at an above normal risk of flooding this spring.

Allergen Levels Will Also Climb with Change in Weather

Lastly, the arrival of spring will send allergen levels on an upward trajectory. The coming days will bring an increase in bloom levels of many plants and flowers.

The National Phenology Network said that the arrival of spring blooms has happened well ahead of schedule for many parts of the central Plains and the mid-Atlantic thanks to a mild winter.

More of the country will get in on this blooming action this week, sending pollen counts higher and higher with each day. Pollen from trees will be the first aggravator, fueled by ragweed and mold.

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