A warm weather pattern will develop across most of the eastern U.S. next week. This will likely bring above-average temperatures, with daytime highs heading into the 70s and 80s.
As the jet stream continues to reconfigure itself into early next week, a dome of high pressure is expected to develop across the central and eastern U.S. That will allow much warmer air to infiltrate areas east of the Rockies, leading to what could be a taste of summerlike warmth by the middle or end of next week for nearly 200 million people.
PATTERN SHIFT TO USHER IN COAST-TO-COAST WEATHER CHANGES FROM EASTER WEEKEND INTO NEXT WEEK
A few record highs are possible in parts of the High Plains, but widespread records appear unlikely at this time.
Temperatures could climb into the 80s as far north as southern New England later next week, with 70s likely all the way into parts of northern New England.
However, that means the West will cool down again, especially the Pacific Northwest, where NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center forecasts the highest likelihood of below-average temperatures next week.
The spring warmup is important as some are still in the process of recovery after weeks of relentless severe weather.
The weather pattern change also means those regions where snow-fatigue has officially set in will get a much-deserved break from the relentless snow. Most places from the West to the northern Plains, Upper Midwest and northern Great Lakes are predicted to see little to no snow through Easter weekend and into at least early next week.
This dry pattern could increase the risk of wildfires in some areas, particularly in parts of the South where drought conditions are present.