By Emma Barhydt
Northeast
The Northeast will kick off the period with unseasonable warmth as high-pressure dominates, with temperatures running 10–20°F above normal through early weekend, especially in southern parts where highs could approach the 80°F mark. Mild, sunny conditions will prevail for most of the region, but by late weekend, a strong cold front will bring a period of widespread rain and even thunderstorms, particularly in the southern Mid-Atlantic. Rainfall could total up to 1.5 inches, and severe weather is possible, especially in the form of damaging winds. As the front clears by Monday, expect cooler and brisk conditions, with temperatures dropping significantly – highs will range from the 40s to 50s°F by midweek, and in some northern areas, temperatures may dip below freezing at night, raising frost concerns. Inland areas may even experience a wintry mix of rain and snow at higher elevations. By late week, high pressure will bring a return of drier conditions with cooler, crisp air, and temperatures will moderate into the 50s to 60s°F for daytime highs and lows in the 30s to 40s°F. There is some uncertainty about the possibility of a coastal disturbance around April 11–12, but for the most part, the region will experience a dry, tranquil end to the period.
Southeast
The Southeast will experience a dramatic shift from summer-like heat early in the period to stormy conditions over the weekend, before settling into a cooler and drier air mass by midweek. A strong high-pressure ridge will dominate early, keeping temperatures well into the 80s°F and approaching 90°F in parts of the Deep South. Humidity will rise with a chance of isolated showers, but for the most part, the pattern will be dry until Saturday, when a strong cold front will trigger severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across the region, especially from eastern Louisiana to the Carolinas. Local rainfall could reach 2–4 inches, leading to flash flooding, and severe weather could include damaging winds and even isolated tornadoes. By Monday, the cold front will push out, leaving behind a cooler and drier air mass, with highs in the 60s to 70s°F for much of the Southeast and lows in the 40s to 50s°F in the inland areas, with potential frost in some northern regions. The late-week outlook will be sunny and pleasant, with temperatures returning to 70s to near 80°F by the weekend, creating ideal spring conditions after the stormy start to the period.
Midwest
The Midwest will face an active and challenging start to the period, with heavy rainfall and severe weather expected as a slow-moving front pushes across the region, bringing flooding rains and thunderstorms, especially from eastern Arkansas through the Ohio Valley. Some areas could receive 5–10 inches of rain, which will raise the threat of flash flooding. Severe thunderstorms, including large hail, damaging winds, and possibly tornadoes, will also be a concern, particularly from the Mississippi Valley through the Great Lakes. By Sunday, the front will begin to shift east, leading to a sharp cool down. Behind the storm, much cooler temperatures will move in, with highs only in the 40s and 50s°F and wet snow possible in the upper Midwest and Great Lakes by Monday. This cold snap will be brief, however, as high pressure builds in and temperatures rise again through the midweek. By Wednesday and Thursday, highs will return to the 50s and 60s°F, with dry, calm weather taking hold. Late in the week, warmer air will return, pushing temperatures back into the 60s and 70s°F, bringing the Midwest back to more typical spring conditions.
Southwest
The Southwest will see a combination of late-season snow in the Rockies and severe thunderstorms in the Plains early in the period, followed by a stretch of dry, sunny, and warm conditions as the week progresses. Early in the period, a potent storm system will bring rain and thunderstorms to eastern Texas and Oklahoma, with the possibility of large hail and damaging winds. At the same time, the mountains of Colorado and New Mexico will receive significant snowfall, especially above 7,000 feet. By Sunday, the system will move eastward, and high-pressure will begin to build over the region, leading to calmer, sunnier weather by Monday and Tuesday. Temperatures will warm significantly as the week progresses, with highs in the 80s and 90s°F by midweek across desert areas like Phoenix, with much of the region experiencing above-average temperatures. Nights will become milder, with lows in the 50s°F in lowland areas and cooler conditions in the mountains. By late in the week, dry, sunny weather will prevail across the Southwest, with temperatures in the mid-80s°F and clear skies making for pleasant spring weather.
Northwest
The Northwest will begin the period with mild and dry conditions, as high pressure brings above-normal temperatures in the 60s and 70s°F through the weekend. By Sunday into Monday, a weak Pacific weather system will bring scattered showers to western Washington and Oregon, with a few inches of snow possible in the mountains. These showers will move eastward into Idaho and Montana as the system weakens, but rain will be generally light. After this brief interruption, high pressure will build over the region by Tuesday, leading to sunny and warmer-than-normal conditions. Daytime temperatures will climb back into the 70s°F across the region, with a few areas, especially in the inland valleys, potentially reaching the 80°F mark by Friday. Nights will remain cool in higher elevations but milder in the lowlands, with lows in the 40s to 50s°F. Late in the week, no significant storms are expected, and the region will enjoy a stretch of dry, warm spring weather with clear skies through the weekend, making for a great stretch of outdoor conditions.
West Coast
The West Coast will start the period with dry and seasonable conditions under a high-pressure ridge, which will keep much of California and the Pacific Coast region clear and calm through the weekend. Coastal areas will experience mild temperatures in the 60s and 70s°F, with 70s to low 80s°F inland. There may be some light rain in the far north late Sunday, but it will be brief and minimal. As the high-pressure system strengthens through the early part of the week, the region will see a warming trend, with temperatures reaching the mid to upper 80s°F by Wednesday, especially in inland areas like the Sacramento Valley and parts of Southern California. Coastal areas will warm to the 70s and low 80s°F, while the deserts may approach the 90°F mark. With no significant precipitation expected, the region will enjoy plenty of sunny days with low humidity. By the late week, temperatures will remain above average, with clear skies and mild conditions continuing, though some coastal areas may see morning marine fog. Overall, the West Coast will experience pleasant spring weather, marked by warm, dry conditions through April 12.
