Storms, flood threat focus on central states Memorial Day weekend

Other than the oddball May nor’easter, Thursday continued a bit of a breather for much of the U.S. when it comes to the recent storm barrage. While we don’t have another run like that ahead, it will again turn more active in days to come.

Note: Unless major developments, I take federal holidays off. The 100th Retort will come along shortly thereafter …

Weather Watch

New rounds of rain and storms. The pattern is not as intensely active as the one recently ended, but it’s still cranking out concerns. Among them, flood threats in the Ozarks and adjacent locations, where a Level 3 of 4 risk for excessive rain is in place Sunday. Scattered severe storms are also expected daily in the southern Plains.

Southwest flames. A critical fire risk is in place for portions of Arizona and New Mexico today. On Thursday, a fire near Tucson quickly scorched more than 1,000 acres. Wind gusts around 25 to 35 mph are expected Friday afternoon, particularly in elevation.

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Unofficial start to summer

Memorial Day weekend is often thought of as the unofficial start of summer. Everyone knows it really begins June 1 (don’t come at me, astronomical season fans).

For the most part, summer will be confined to the southern states through Monday.

Following a nor’easter in New England, cooler than normal air remains entrenched in its wake. East of the Rockies, once one gets to Kansas, Missouri, then east and northward, it’s feeling decidedly more like early spring.

Readings rise to near 100 in a big chunk of central and south Texas on Saturday, with 90s running from the Southeast to desert Southwest. Sunday and Monday, Texas heat is squashed a bit but intensifies to the east and west.

Warmer than normal conditions are set to overtake most of the country next week, although another dip in the jet stream may develop in the east over time.

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Weekday morning newsletter by a journalist/forecaster. Connecting weather and climate change dots while occasionally stirring the pot.

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