Spring Outlook Calls for Unseasonbly Warm Weather in South

Punxsutawney Phil made his voice known last weekend, predicting six more weeks of winter when the world's most famous groundhog emerged from his cozy burrow to see his shadow. But what are the experts saying about the actual spring season?

The U.S. will be a bit of a dichotomy this spring with some parts of the nation enjoying unseasonably warm temperatures while other areas are left shivering as winter wants to linger a bit longer. Meteorological spring officially kicks off on Saturday, March 1. This start date differs from the beginning of the astronomical spring, officially getting underway at 5:01 am EST on Thursday, March 20.

Here is a look at the long-range spring forecast for the U.S.

Who Will Continue to be Visited by Old Man Winter?

The big question on the minds of most Americans is where the winter weather will hang on. As is typical, the northern half of the nation will likely continue to see winterlike weather as spring kicks off. This pattern will be a continuation of what was one of the coldest Januarys in years.

The ongoing chilly temperatures will facilitate the formation of more ice across the Great Lakes. The building ice cover will then create a cycle of more wintry weather as it suppresses the mercury throughout the Midwest and the Northeast into the early part of spring.

Heading over the Pacific Northwest, the persistent parade of storms will translate to a slower start to spring. The storm track is predicted to set up over western Canada and the Northwest. The interior portions of the West and the central Rockies are expected to see a normal transition to spring as the storms remain farther away.

The eastern U.S. is another area anticipating lingering wintry conditions. Forecasters are warning that late-season frost events may be common in the mid-Atlantic and the Southeast. Gardners will want to pay attention to the long-range forecast before planting sensitive plants.

The threat of frosty mornings could linger well into the early part of May for the zone stretching from the Ohio Valley and into the central Appalachians and the interior Northeast. This region could also see snow well into the spring season as bursts of cooler temperatures threaten the region. This is good news for ski resorts hoping to extend the season through Spring Break.

Severe Storms to be the Story for the Central and Southern U.S.

The epicenter of the storm activity during the spring of 2025 is predicted to train over the Mississippi Valley and Tennessee Valley. Major metro areas that will be at the center of this activity include Chicago, Memphis, and St. Louis.

The general pattern of tornadic activity picking up as the spring progresses will be the case this year. Although the bulk of the tornado outbreaks will be a concern in April and May, you cannot rule out isolated instances of twisters in March.

The cooler air created by the ice coverage on the Great Lakes will help to keep widespread severe storms at bay throughout most of the Midwest and the Northeast during the early part of the season. However, the melting of the ice later in the season will usher in warmer temperatures and increase the chances of thunderstorm activity as the calendar flips to May.

Drought Conditions Expected to Worsen in Areas Experiencing Unseasonable Warmth

The drought is set to intensify across much of the southern U.S. as temperatures rise to levels more akin to summer. The Desert Southwest is expected to remain dry and see temperatures heat up quickly. This will translate to increasing drought conditions in Southern California and over into the southwestern Plains.