Daily Storm Report for March 28, 2026

Long-Range Weather Discussion Large-scale pattern changes are expected heading into early to mid-April, driven by a combination of teleconnections. The Arctic Oscillation is forecast to trend negative, while the North Atlantic Oscillation also moves into a negative phase. At the same time, the Pacific-North American Pattern is expected to turn positive. This combination typically supports increased troughing and colder air intrusions across central and eastern North America. As a result, a more active and amplified pattern is likely to develop. From approximately April 3rd through April 15th, a series of storm systems are expected to track across the western United States, bringing periods of rain and mountain snow. As these systems eject into the Plains and Midwest, they will tap into colder air to the north. The northern Plains, Great Lakes, Northeast, and portions of southern Canada stand the greatest chance of seeing snow and mixed precipitation events. In some cases, there is potential for impactful snow and ice, particularly where cold air remains entrenched. These colder risks are being reinforced by a broader hemispheric setup that may include influences from a recent Sudden Stratospheric Warming, which can promote high-latitude blocking and sustained cold air transport into mid-latitudes. At the same time, the southern and central tiers of the country will need to monitor an increasing severe weather threat. As storm systems interact with warmer, more unstable air, the pattern favors multiple rounds of thunderstorms—some potentially severe—across the eastern Plains, Mississippi Valley, and Tennessee Valley through much of April. Overall Pattern Outlook: Expect a highly variable and active spring pattern. The eastern United States, in particular, may experience frequent swings between warm and cold, with colder-than-normal periods potentially dominating at times. Meanwhile, an active storm track will support both wintry weather risks in the north and severe weather potential farther south.