After a historic blizzard along the I-95 corridor, the Northeast is bracing for the possibility of additional snow through mid- to late-week while communities continue their recovery. This blog post translates the latest forecasts and climate guidance into what residents, planners, and responders should expect in the coming days and weeks.
Drawing on the Climate Prediction Center outlooks and the evolving seasonal pattern, we break down the short-term weather, the March storm risk, and the seasonal transition from winter to spring.
Current Snowfall Recovery and Short-Term Outlook
In the near term, forecasters anticipate one or two more snow events as the week progresses. Several regions are still digging out from heavy accumulations.
The evolving pattern shows a trough over the West and a ridge across the East through early March. The Climate Prediction Center describes this as favoring above-average temperatures for much of the central and eastern United States.
This does not guarantee uniform warmth everywhere. It does shape the overall trend toward a milder profile in many areas.
The West’s trough is expected to channel Gulf moisture into the central U.S., increasing precipitation chances there. This raises the potential for severe thunderstorms in that region.
The primary storm track is forecast to stay west of the Appalachians, implying near- to below-average precipitation along much of the East Coast. For the Northeast, this typically translates into a period of upslope snows or mixed events rather than widespread heavy snowfall.
Localized bursts can still occur and complicate travel and recovery efforts. Beyond the immediate week, the greatest March severe-weather risk extends from the Central Plains eastward into Alabama and Georgia.
Historical patterns show Texas, Alabama, and Mississippi recording a high number of March tornadoes. This underscores the need for vigilance during this transitional period.
Key Weather Drivers for March
Even as the overall signal leans warm across the central and eastern U.S., March remains a volatile month where brief cold snaps, wintry mixes, and snow can intrude amid rising daylight. The CPC’s 3–4 week outlook supports warmth but does not preclude episodic winter weather, particularly in the face of lingering northerly intrusions or sharp air-mass clashes.
As we move toward meteorological and astronomical spring, daylight increases noticeably. Days lengthen by roughly an hour or more by month’s end.
Don’t forget the clocks “spring forward” one hour on Sunday, March 8. This is a reminder that timekeeping and weather patterns are aligning with a rapidly changing environment.
Severe Weather Risk and Tornado Potential
The ongoing March risk discussion centers on dynamics that can produce severe storms even in a season where warmth seems widespread. The main storm track remaining west of the Appalachians tends to limit widespread rainfall along the East Coast, but it can still set up episodes of intense weather in the South and Central Plains.
The historical record—highlighted by last year’s March outbreak that saw more than 90 tornadoes across 13 states and many fatalities—illustrates how quickly conditions can change when strong winds, instability, and moisture collide.
Regional Focus and Timeframes
Forecast guidance indicates that the high-risk window for significant tornadoes is likely to shift around March’s core across the Central Plains into the Southeast. While the Northeast may experience periods of snow or mixed precipitation, the climate signal cautions residents to stay alert for severe weather in southern states.
Monitor short-term thunderstorm developments that can produce damaging winds, large hail, or tornadoes. Preparedness, not alarm, remains the best response during this period.
Spring Transition: Longer Days, Shorter Nights, and Preparedness
Meteorological spring began this month. Astronomical spring follows as daylight continues to grow daily.
The shift toward warmer temperatures does not erase the risk of cold snaps or wintry reminders. It does bring more opportunities for outdoor activity and agricultural planning.
The Northeast should anticipate a mix of sunlit days and cool, unsettled periods as the season settles into a rhythm.
What to keep in mind:
- Monitor CPC updates and local forecasts closely during the coming weeks, especially for sudden weather shifts.
- Prepare emergency and winter-weather kits for homes and vehicles in case of rapid changes.
- Stay connected with community alerts and travel advisories during potential snow events or severe storms.
- As clocks spring forward, plan for lighter mornings and longer evenings, which can influence mood, energy, and outdoor activities.
Here is the source article for this story: Warmer temperatures and severe storms on the horizon as we spring into March