March is coming in like a lion for Mardi Gras week.
Looking ahead to the first week of March 2025, specifically Tuesday, March 4th, there’s a significant chance of severe weather, particularly in northern Missouri and southern Iowa. Meteorologists are seeing signs of a classic setup for powerful tornadoes. This involves strong winds high in the atmosphere, with a specific pattern that allows storms to maintain their strength and produce long-lasting, significant tornadoes. To put it simply, the wind patterns are expected to create a good balance, allowing storms to pull in warm, moist air and push out cooler air efficiently, which helps them stay organized and intense. While the overall wind profile looks favorable, the exact path of the low-pressure system and the amount of warm, moist air available will be crucial in determining how severe the storms become. This type of weather pattern is typical for our region during this time of year, especially with the current climate conditions.
We’re expecting strong drylines, which are boundaries between dry and moist air, to push well eastward, creating a large area with the potential for severe storms. Also, the dry air that has been keeping the southeastern US relatively calm is likely to start breaking down as we move through mid-March, with multiple weather systems moving across the country. Given the potential for powerful storms, now is the time to review your family’s severe weather safety plan and make sure your weather radios are working.
March Madness, not just a basketball tournament, also encompasses a severe weather season. The long-range forecast predicts an active week during the Ides of March.
of NIU meteorology.
Early spring storms can sometimes be surprisingly strong, even more so than initially predicted, because it’s the first time of the year that warm, humid air moves so far inland. So, be prepared and stay informed.