April Kicks Off with Bad Weather in US Forecast

April has kicked off with widespread bad weather across the central United States, according to the latest US forecast. Residents should expect rounds of storms, wintry precipitation in the far north, and pockets of heavy rain through the first days of the month.

Overview of the threat

Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail, damaging winds, and flooding downpours are possible. Freezing rain and light snow will affect the far northern tier of the country.

Filmogaz.com meteorologist Alex Sosnowski warned that these storms could disrupt travel and outdoor plans into the Easter weekend.

Synoptic setup and timing

A stationary front on Tuesday, March 31 stretched from the Northeast across the Great Lakes, Central Plains, Northern Rockies and Northern California. The boundary is expected to remain nearly stationary. Waves of low pressure will travel along that front through Thursday, April 2, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Weather Prediction Center said.

Tuesday, March 31

• Storms may bring large hail, damaging wind gusts and a few tornadoes.
• Greatest concentration: southern Michigan to northeast Illinois, northern Indiana and Ohio.
• Rain and freezing rain will develop across parts of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Upper Great Lakes and into the Northeast.
• Light snow is expected over northern Maine and portions of the Upper Mississippi Valley and Northern Plains.

Wednesday, April 1

• The severe threat shifts south and consolidates over the Plains and Mississippi Valley.
• At-risk corridor: central Texas through central and southeastern Kansas into southwestern and central Missouri.
• Heavy thunderstorms are forecast for parts of the Ohio Valley and the Mid-Atlantic region.
• Noaa’s Storm Prediction Center issued a slight risk, level 2 of 5, for parts of the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley through Wednesday morning.

Thursday–Friday, April 2–3

• Severe weather risk continues across parts of the Plains and Mississippi Valley.
• Thursday’s storms could produce strong wind gusts and hail from northern Arkansas to southern Michigan.

Hazards and outlook

The Weather Prediction Center highlighted frequent lightning, severe thunderstorm wind gusts, hail and a few tornadoes as the primary hazards. Some storms may generate winds strong enough to break tree branches and toss unsecured items.

Rainfall totals and drought impacts

Forecast totals generally range from 1 to 4 inches across a broad swath. The area stretches from Texas and the north-central Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes and central Appalachians. Locally higher amounts up to 6 inches are possible during multiple rounds of rainfall.

Repeated storms could ease drought conditions in hard-hit areas. That rainfall may also lower the risk of spring wildfires.

Sheltering and safety

When severe weather forces you to shelter in place, secure loose outdoor items and choose an interior room on the lowest level. Keep pets calm and protected; have carriers, leashes and basic supplies ready.

Monitor official updates from the Weather Prediction Center and local emergency services. Expect conditions to change quickly across the central U.S. this week.