Rising temperatures pose a variety of weather hazards, many of which are surprising or underestimated.
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tornado. Thunderstorm. flood. wind. hail. Wildfire. Rapid temperature changes.
Hello, it’s spring!
It’s true that warm weather feels good. But rising temperatures come with a variety of dangers, many of which are surprising or underestimated.
“Spring is one of the most volatile seasons across the United States because it is a true transition period,” AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said in an email to USA TODAY.
The transition from cold to warm air means that spring often brings uneven severe weather: storms, tornadoes, and floods that can devastate localized areas. Here’s what you need to know and how to stay safe.
Why is spring so unstable?
“During the spring, cold air from the winter often collides with an intensity of warmth and moisture pushing north from the Gulf Coast,” he says. “At the same time, the jet stream often remains active and can sink far south, causing strong wind shear and powerful storm systems.”
“The combination of temperature contrasts, moisture, and atmospheric energy makes spring the peak season for severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, large hail, and damaging wind gusts,” Buckingham said.
“This is also a time when slow-moving storm systems can cause major flooding, especially in the Midwest and along major river basins.”
Flood risk is often overlooked
The risk of spring flooding is often overlooked, but the National Weather Service warns that heavy rain and melting snowpack on saturated ground can turn into flash floods in a matter of hours.
The Bureau of Meteorology said storms that don’t appear to be too severe on weather radar can quickly develop into flash floods because the soil is soggy from snowmelt and early season rains. Cities can be particularly vulnerable because pavement prevents water ingress.
In the Southeast, the region is well known for tornadoes, but flooding often causes more damage. Slow-moving thunderstorms can repeatedly dump large amounts of rain over the same area, overwhelming streams, rivers, and drainage systems.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, flooded roads can be especially deadly, as just a few inches of fast-moving water can sweep a vehicle away.
On the West Coast, spring storms often arrive on already soggy ground. As a result, the risk of landslides and debris flows is increasing, especially near burn scars from past wildfires. Even moderate rainfall can cause slope failure.
Nighttime tornadoes and tornado outbreaks
It’s not just tornadoes that surprise many people, but tornadoes that strike after dark. The National Weather Service said nighttime events are especially dangerous because people may be asleep and tornado warnings may not be issued in time.
“Tornadoes are especially dangerous because most of them occur at night in the spring when people are asleep and visibility is low,” Buckingham said.
Additionally, one thing people often underestimate about spring weather is how quickly conditions can change, Buckingham told USA TODAY. A warm and sunny afternoon could turn into a widespread threat of severe weather by evening. The Bureau of Meteorology warns that even experienced residents may underestimate how quickly conditions can become life-threatening.
wildfires and sandstorms
While many people associate wildfire season with summer, spring can be just as dangerous, according to NOAA. Dry vegetation, low humidity, and strong winds make fires more likely. In some cases, it can even occur before the heat reaches its peak.
Another under-appreciated hazard is flying dust. Spring wind phenomena can cause sudden sandstorms that reduce visibility to near zero and cause deadly pile-ups on highways. The National Weather Service regularly issues high wind and fire warnings throughout the spring, especially in the central United States.
Other hazards: late-season cold, hail, lightning, and severe temperature swings.
Other weather hazards include late-season snowfall and deep freezes that can occur well into spring in some parts of the Plains, Midwest and Northeast, catching travelers, gardeners and even municipalities by surprise, Buckingham said.
Large hail is also an underrated threat. According to NOAA, spring hailstorms can cause millions of dollars in damage to vehicles, roofs and crops in minutes, even without a tornado.
Buckingham said frequent lightning strikes could also become a surprising hazard as thunderstorm activity increases.
Furthermore, he added, “In spring, strong cold fronts can cause rapid temperature fluctuations of more than 30 degrees Celsius in a single day.”
Overall, Buckingham said, “The atmosphere is so dynamic at this time of year that it’s important that people stay aware of the weather and have multiple reliable ways to receive timely warnings, especially during severe weather events.”
Doyle Rice is a national correspondent for USA TODAY, focusing on weather and climate.
