Weekly Weather Watch: Tuesday, April 30th, 2024
In this week’s guide to the headlines that will be made from weather events, we again will focus on severe weather across the Central U.S., along with very heavy rainfall in the same regions. First, a look at the most significant weather ahead, and then a bulleted list of the headlines for the U.S. and Canada.
Severe/damaging thunderstorms and flooding concerns for parts of the Upper/Middle Mississippi Valley and Great Plains.
Critical Fire Weather for the Southern High Plains on Wednesday
Cool and snowy in the Northwest
Heavy snowfall in the Canadian Rockies.
For Alaska, heavy precipitation for the southern coastal region.
There is a slight risk of excessive heat for portions of the Southern Plains from May 7 to 10.
There is a slight risk for heavy precipitation for portions of the Northern Plains and Upper Mississippi Valley, May 7-8.
There is a slight risk for high winds for the Great Basin, Central and Southern Rockies, Desert Southwest, and the Central and Southern Plains, May 7-10.
Risk for rapid onset drought for portions of Central Florida.
Here’s the timeline for the next week:
Severe Weather Outlook areas:
perspective on the recent severe weather outbreak
Based on preliminary numbers, it may be one of the most active three-day stretches for tornadoes since 1950. I did a quick and dirty data analysis of 3-day tornado outbreaks, and 2024 is currently ranked 2nd. This is very preliminary as the data hasn't been verified yet by the NOAA NWS Storm Prediction Center.
Here is a list of tornado reports, not individual tornadoes, as some have been "double-counted" since 1950. These include any strength of a tornado, also.
Total Precipitation expected the next 10 days
This briefing is meant to guide you to the weather headlines that will be made during the week ahead. I keep them brief to save your busy schedules, but please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need anything specific: click here to email.
The weather pattern is about to make a pretty sharp turn across the country. California starts the week with unusual October heat, including highs well into the 90s and even lower 100s in the Central Valley. Meanwhile, much cooler fall air has reached the Great Lakes and Northeast. The Gulf Coast and Southeast stay unsettled, and there’s that record to watch: a tropical depression is likely to develop over the Gulf this week and could strengthen as it moves northeast. If it becomes a hurricane after the 8th, 2026 will have the latest-first hurricane in the Atlantic Basin record.