Caitlin Connell

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<p>Another cold front moves through the Southern Plains, producing a low-end severe weather threat in Texas and Oklahoma on Tuesday and Wednesday. Instability, or energy for updrafts, will likely be sufficient to support a few severe storms Tuesday afternoon, however, a temperature inversion will "cap" the atmosphere, preventing updrafts from rising to a point of continued lift (free convection). For now, there is potential for a clear sky "bust" to the forecast, if the capping inversion is too strong for the weak front to overcome. Warm air will stop air from rising - to break the "cap" you either need to warm the surface more beneath or drive the air up with a cold front.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot 2024-04-21 045205-1713697112816.png">A few storms develop in the daytime heat on Tuesday afternoon and linger into the late evening hours. Most storms fade after midnight with clouds lingering into the morning on Wednesday. Tuesday brings the possibility of significant hail to form in the areas of yellow. This means there's a chance for 2" in diameter hail or larger to form.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/2024-04-23 10-58-17-1713891562302.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Wednesday can start with a few scattered showers and storms, but the severe weather threat ramps up after we reach peak daytime heating. These storms look to linger into the overnight hours a little longer and later than today's chances. So, make sure you have multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts, and in a way that can wake you up.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/2024-04-23 11-37-36-1713894018584.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>The severe weather threat <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/severe-weather-returns-to-the-plains-thursday-friday"><strong><em><u>continues into Thursday, Friday</u></em></strong></a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/weekend-forecast-more-severe-weather-in-the-plains"><strong><em><u>even the weekend</u></em></strong></a> for similar areas. Please stay weather-aware!</p>

Lucy Bergemann

Front Sparks Storms in Texas Tuesday & Wednesday

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<div>Lucy is originally from the Boston area but has spent the last four years forecasting and living in Colorado! She stayed in the northeast for her education, graduating Summa Cum Laude from SUNY Oswego with a B.S. in Meteorology. Just a few days after graduation, she made the cross country move to Colorado Springs, CO to begin her career at KKTV, the CBS affiliate. Lucy has covered historic blizzards, tornadoes, windstorms, the largest wildfires in Colorado state history and dust storms ... they truly "get it all" in Colorado! Lucy is excited to forecast on a national level and continue her passion of explaining the science behind the weather!</div>
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<p>Snow is in the forecast for Denver, which could be our last snowfall of the year - right on track. </p><p>The Mile High City is no stranger to some wild temperature swings and this week is no different. After snow and frosty conditions this past weekend and the start of the work week, highs jump into the 70s for the Front Range and wider Southwest through Thursday. We could hit records in New Mexico on Tuesday afternoon too! Temperatures have been in the 90s and 100s for Phoenix and that heat will linger a bit longer before a cool down arrives in time for the weekend. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/three day temps-1713893137483.jpg">The cooldown is thanks in part to a couple of areas of low pressure that slid into the Southwest from the Pacific this week. Our first low through Thursday will aid in thunderstorm development along I-80 in northern Utah, Nevada, and Wyoming but doesn't knock temperatures too much. A second area of low pressure arrives Thursday through the weekend and packs a bigger punch. </p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/2024-04-23 11-15-22-1713893360546.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>As mentioned above the first area of low pressure through Midweek impacts the northern tier of the Southwest with isolated showers and a rumble of thunder. Storms bubble up in the heat of the day on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, moving from Northwest to Southeast around the flow of our low. More moisture arrives Thursday night on the West Coast making its way into the Four Corners Friday and continuing into Sunday for Colorado and New Mexico. </p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/2024-04-23 11-16-17-1713893038077.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Our heaviest snow will be in the Colorado Rockies with snow in the Sierra Nevada and Wasatch Range of Utah. A bit of snow could make it down into Denver and SLC, which isn't uncommon for late April. The average last snow in Denver is April 28th and in Salt Lake City on average in April 16. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/spring snow-1713893137481.jpg">Stay with WeatherNation for the latest information on our warm temperatures and weekend snow potential. </p>

Record Warmth to Weekend Snow in the Four Corners

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<p>A swift-moving cold front has brought scattered precipitation to our northern latitude states. Minimal rainfall is expected out of this so there is no flooding threat, but winds will kick up meaning fire danger to those who have been dry lately. Moisture continues pushing into the Northeast for Wednesday where even cool air could arrive and help produce light snow accumulation in northern Maine and New Hampshire by Thursday morning. </p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/2024-04-23 11-02-01-1713891777941.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Since there is some strong cooling in the middle levels of the atmosphere, during peak heating we may see some storms produce hail with a few storms capable of dropping severe hail - anything greater than 1" in diameter. The SPC has a<strong> MARGINAL</strong> (level 1 out of 5) risk for severe storms in Michigan. </p><p>Forecast rainfall won't be too impressive in most spots, generally, less than an inch of rainfall. Some may see a few snow flurries behind the front - nothing more than a dusting. We could use the rain along the borders of North Dakota, Minnesota, and Canada! We haven't seen much moisture in the last 30 days. We're taking baby steps to add some more rain into the mix!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/30 day-1713731967062.png">One part of this system that will be felt across much of the North-Central U.S., is the gusty winds. Winds could top 30-40 mph in the afternoon, prompting fire concerns throughout the day.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/04-22_winds-1713832159000.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p>

Clipper Brings Hail Chances to the Great Lakes Today

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<p>The spring season often means rounds of strong and severe storms in the heart of the country, with this April being no exception. Another storm system looks to continue that trend, with scattered severe storms expected in the Plains and Midwest, on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (top of page).</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/svrthufrijpg-1713886332501.jpeg">Related article: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/wet-weekend-in-the-lone-star-state"><em><u>Front Sparks Storms in Texas Tuesday &amp; Wednesday</u></em></a></p><p>A potent upper-level low-pressure system will eject from the Rocky Mountains and move across the Plains. This will help create wind shear and lift in the atmosphere. At the surface, a well-developed dryline is forecast from west Texas to west-central Kansas. This is the boundary between dry air and muggy air and where storms could form from mid to late afternoon. Instability could be high, with forecast models already indicating a good amount of available energy.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/2024-04-23 07-39-30-1713879817199.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Thursday is highlighted as a <strong>slight risk</strong> (level 2 out of 5) on the threat scale, indicating the Storm Prediction Centers' (SPC) confidence in the forecast with pockets of large hail, strong winds, and a few tornadoes all on the table. The SPC highlighted portions of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas for an elevated chance of seeing all forms of severe weather. This is a day that we need to keep a close eye on. We encourage you to regularly check with WeatherNation for updates leading up to this event.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/spc-1713875792264.jpg">Models are already hinting at the potential for widespread storms through Oklahoma, western Kansas, and northern Texas on Thursday afternoon and evening. Storm storms are expected through Friday through the Midwest and Mississippi delta. Cities under risk include Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Kansas City, and Dallas.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/forecast-1713876273042.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

Significant Storm Threat Thursday

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Kevin Schneider

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<p>It’s the soundtrack to the summer. Nature’s noisemakers are set to return in a <em>big</em> way this year as not one, but <em>two</em> sets of periodical cicadas will emerge in the Midwest and Southeast. It is the first time these two specific broods have surfaced <em>together</em> since 1803! This is the first time since 2015 that a 13 year cycle brood emerges at the same year as a 17 year brood.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o5jJPrP5rfE" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><p>The southern brood emerges every 13 years and is known as the <strong>Brood XIX, </strong>the largest brood in the U.S.. The Northern Illinois brood has a period of 17 years, making these two broods overlap uncommon. They will only overlap in central Illinois, where is expected to be the noisest!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/Closer look at Illinois locations overlap.mp4_snapshot_00.01.232-1713196589008.jpg"></p><blockquote><p>Katie Dana, a researcher with the Illinois Natural History Survey who studies the cicadas says, “We have broods emerging across the U.S. almost every year, but we don’t often have broods emerging at the same time. Just like how birds have different songs, cicadas have different songs...we have over 3,000 different species of cicadas so we have so many different songs.”</p></blockquote><p>Periodical Cicadas are large, loud insects with bright red eyes. They live underground for years. Once the cicadas take to the skies, they will be in the air for about 3-4 weeks, mating before laying eggs and reburying themselves for another 13 or 17 years.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/Slow zoom east coast brood locations.mp4_snapshot_00.06.391-1713196589005.jpg">Depending on where you live, the double brood emergence could start as soon as April but will happen whenever the ground temperatures reach 64°. According to Katie, “It’s those warm soils that push them out of the ground, but they’re also looking for some moisture. If you have really dry soil, it’s going to make it hard for them to dig out.” Given that we've had some of our warmest winters on record in the Midwest we are looking at the opportunity for earlier emergence of the broods.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/Warmest Winter on Record.mp4_snapshot_00.05.538-1713196589007.jpg">If you’re less than thrilled about these beaty-eyed bugs, focus on the positives. They provide extra nutrition for birds and animals and spark a reset for oak trees allowing them to produce more acorns a few years after they emerge. If that’s not enough to get you through... the next time these two broods will be out at the same time won't be for another 221 years, which will give you plenty of time to learn to appreciate the cicada screams.</p>

Double Trouble: Cicadas Take to the Skies this Spring

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<p>We are looking at the threat of another severe weather outbreak for the final weekend in April. Historically, our highest number of tornadoes occur in April and May, so we are deep into severe weather season. </p><p>Related Article -<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/severe-weather-returns-to-the-plains-thursday-friday"><strong><em><u> Severe Weather Thursday - Friday</u></em></strong></a></p><p>This weekend there are two outlooks from the Storm Prediction Center on Saturday and Sunday indicating high confidence in the threat of severe weather this weekend. This will be similar to areas that are under the severe weather threat on Thursday and Friday. Once again all modes of severe weather are likely. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/sat -1713881543374.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/sun-1713881543372.jpg">It is a bit too early to talk potential timing of the severe weather, but know that in addition to the severe weather, there is also a flood threat, especially in Missouri, eastern Kansas, and southern Illinois. This is thanks to heavy rainfall in combination with saturated soils from heavy rain already falling earlier in the week. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/rain-1713886204776.jpg">Stay with WeatherNation for the latest in the severe weather threat and forecast information. </p>

Weekend Forecast: More Severe Weather in the Plains

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<p>National Park Week started Saturday, April 20th, and runs through Sunday, April 28th, It is a week to celebrate the over <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm"><strong><em><u>400 National Parks</u></em></strong></a>! Throughout the week, parks will host events to highlight the unique nature of the parks, how you can volunteer, and the innovation happening across the country. National Park Week also encompasses Earth Day, on Monday, April 22nd.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/nps-1713740968123.png"></p><p>At WeatherNation we spoke to some of the most popular, and lesser-known, national parks across the U.S. and highlighted them in our "Get Out and Explore" series.</p><h2>Catoctin Mountain Park (Maryland)</h2><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">This mountain park sits near the hustle and bustle of East Coast cities such as D.C. and Philly and allows people to explore the great outdoors and reconnect with nature. The heavily forested park offers hiking, camping, stargazing, and more. If you look closely you might even find old whiskey and moonshine stills during the prohibition period.&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W9VRUt93epc" start="0"></iframe></div><h2>Death Valley National Park (California)</h2><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">Home of extreme weather, this park is known for canyons, salt flats, and North America’s lowest point. &nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4d1AmHZQRw8?si=-FBI8TOpXtvw7zoz" start="0"></iframe></div><h2>Lake Clark National Park and Preserve (Alaska)</h2><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">Lake Clark in Alaska sits about 100 miles southwest of Anchorage and is only accessible via small plane. This park boasts incredible wildlife and views as well as some of Alaska’s extreme weather.&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U3IM3w8M1Yc?si=i22NXFs0uVL_TX3y" start="0"></iframe></div><h2>Lava Beds National Park (N. California)</h2><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">Sitting just south of Oregon, Lava Beds National Monument is surrounded by volcanos. Visitors can explore lava tubes ranging in difficulty from easy to expert. This gives people a chance to explore the “volcanic plumbing” of the region. &nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6c0aGmAgC38?si=BPzHjKS7iBSK5K3X" start="0"></iframe></div><h2>Black Canyon of the Gunnison N.P. (Colorado)</h2><p><span style="color: inherit">Black Canyon of the Gunnison is the steepest and narrowest canyon of the entire U.S. and sits in Southwest Colorado. The canyon provides intense changes in temperatures and is impacted by monsoon season during the summer months.&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/getko7k6xv8?si=FBWTTOSZJH-3EkeR" start="0"></iframe></div><h2>Badlands National Park (South Dakota)</h2><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">An “undiscovered gem” in the national park system, Badlands offers landscapes, wildlife, and spectacular stargazing. NPS recommends spending at least some time in the park at night to fully experience another side of the park.&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qbXfbFmDko0?si=V71zMdVtyCkH_o9K" start="0"></iframe></div><h2>Manassas National Battlefield Park (Virginia)</h2><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">History lovers will love taking a trip to Manassas National Battlefield Park. Home of two major civil war battles, the park has acres of walking tours to explore a piece of American history.&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cTg1gYAD1o8?si=nn75R3h1z054AFxh" start="0"></iframe></div><h2>Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site (New Hampshire)</h2><p>Check out the only national park dedicated to a sculpture! It doesn't open until May so mark your calendars for next month.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xlEEJRl0d_w?si=yPubZ3-sANBW6iiQ" start="0"></iframe></div><h2></h2>

National Park Week: Get Out and Explore

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On Wednesday evening, Subtropical Storm Joyce formed in the northern Atlantic. The storm will gain tropical characteristics into Thursday and will potentially transform into a tropical storm by the end of this week.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-96965 size-large" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/09/joyce-stats-728x408.jpg" alt="Joyce Forms in the Northern Atlantic" width="728" height="408" />

Joyce will be steered by the ridge of high pressure (the same one that is steering Hurricane Florence.) By the end of the week, the storm will turn and head to the northeast.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-96963 size-large" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/09/joyce-fan-728x408.jpg" alt="Joyce Forms in the Northern Atlantic" width="728" height="408" /> <img class="alignnone wp-image-96964 size-large" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/09/joyce-spag-728x408.jpg" alt="Joyce Forms in the Northern Atlantic" width="728" height="408" />

Impacts may be felt across the Azores but this system will mainly stay out to sea. No matter what happens, we will be sure to give you the latest on everything that is happening across the tropics.

For WeatherNation, Meteorologist <a href="https://media.weathernationtv.com/team/kate-mantych/">Kate Mantych</a>