As March arrives, much of the United States is set to experience a dramatic shift in weather patterns, with spring-like warmth giving way to a sudden resurgence of winter conditions before milder temperatures return later in the week. Across cities from Newport, Rhode Island, to Kansas City and Columbus, Ohio, forecasters are urging residents to make the most of the pleasant weekend weather—because a chilly, unpredictable week lies ahead.
According to the National Weather Service, Newport, Rhode Island, will see its weather and marine forecasts updated automatically throughout the day, ensuring locals stay informed as conditions develop. The week’s forecast, as reported by NOAA and summarized by DC News Now, highlights a rollercoaster of temperatures and precipitation types that will keep residents on their toes.
Saturday, February 29, 2026, is shaping up to be the pick of the week for much of the Northeast and Midwest. In Newport, highs are expected to reach the upper 50s to low 60s, with mostly sunny skies making it an ideal day for outdoor activities. Columbus, Ohio, will also bask in partly sunny, mild weather, with temperatures climbing to around 60 degrees. As for Kansas City, after some isolated showers and thunderstorms south of I-70 early in the day, widespread sunshine will help temperatures soar into the 60s and even low 70s in some southern areas. "Today is our nice day," Kansas City meteorologists emphasized, noting it’s the best opportunity for sunshine in the coming days.
Saturday night promises a treat for stargazers in Newport, where a planetary alignment will be visible under comfortable mid-50s temperatures. It’s the kind of rare celestial event that pairs perfectly with the mild springlike air—a fleeting taste of warmth before the weather takes a turn.
But as the weekend progresses, the forecast takes on a more complex character. Sunday, March 1, brings a cold front sweeping across much of the region. In Newport, partly cloudy skies and a slight chance of a morning sprinkle give way to breezy conditions and falling temperatures, with daytime highs dipping into the low to mid 40s. Columbus will see a similar story: after clouds increase overnight and rain showers develop near midnight, a cold front will usher in colder air and morning flurries. Highs will struggle to escape the 30s, and the brief surge of cold Canadian air will serve as a stark reminder that winter isn’t quite finished.
Kansas City faces an even more dramatic transition. Sunday is designated as an “impact day” due to the sharp drop in temperatures—from near 68 degrees on Saturday down to 40 by Sunday. Rain will transition to a wintry mix, with snow, sleet, and freezing rain all possible, especially in the corridor between Highway 50 and Highway 36. Meteorologists warn, "The exact time the rain will transition to mix is not set, and we could see several different types of precipitation throughout the day." Snow accumulation of around one inch is likely north near the Missouri border, and slick roads are expected Sunday evening into early Monday morning as road temperatures finally dip below freezing.
For those considering outdoor plans or travel, forecasters in Kansas City caution that the warmth of previous days could delay the development of slick spots. "Road temperatures will remain above freezing for most of the day tomorrow and likely won't drop at or below freezing until around the evening hours. So expect slick spots Sunday evening into early Monday morning," they advised. This nuanced shift from spring to winter, and back again, is emblematic of the season’s unpredictability.
Monday, March 2, continues the wintery theme across the region. Newport will experience mostly cloudy and cooler conditions, with highs in the mid-30s. Columbus is set for a storm passing south of the region, bringing an inch or two of snow to southern Ohio in the morning, with the northern edge of accumulating snow likely reaching the I-70 corridor. The evening will see a wintry mix changing to rain, as the area remains locked in seasonably chilly weather.
Kansas City isn’t spared, either. Monday brings more rain and snow showers, with cold temperatures persisting. The city’s meteorologists note that several rounds of showers and storms are possible as the work week begins, and temperatures will eventually begin to rebound.
Tuesday, March 3, offers little respite at first. In Newport, a wintry mix is possible during the morning commute, with light accumulation creating the potential for isolated slick spots late Monday night into Tuesday morning. Precipitation will transition to all rain later in the day, with highs reaching the upper 30s to lower 40s. Columbus expects periods of rain as the frontal boundary lifts north, while Kansas City braces for more showers and thunderstorms—some potentially strong or even severe. The mercury will start to climb, with highs in the mid to upper 50s and overnight lows in the 40s by the end of the week.
By midweek, the pendulum swings back toward milder, wetter conditions. Wednesday in Newport is forecast to be partly cloudy with a chance of showers and highs climbing into the mid to upper 50s. Thursday brings lingering clouds and temperatures rising into the lower 60s, signaling a return to the mild spring weather so many have been craving. Columbus, too, will see mild and periodically wet weather, with moist southerly winds and weak atmospheric waves triggering rounds of showers. Kansas City’s forecast for Thursday and Friday includes highs in the 60s, more chances for rain, and a general trend toward a soggy, spring-like week—"very fitting as we’re heading into the month of March," as local meteorologists put it.
Looking ahead to next weekend, there’s a glimmer of hope for drier, more stable weather. Kansas City’s extended forecast suggests next weekend will be dry with temperatures in the 60s, while Newport and Columbus are expected to enjoy the continued mildness, barring any last-minute surprises from the mercurial early March weather.
Throughout this period, the National Weather Service and local meteorologists across these regions emphasize the importance of staying updated with the latest forecasts, especially given the rapid changes and potential for hazardous conditions like slick roads and strong storms. As the saying goes, if you don’t like the weather, just wait a day—it’s bound to change.
For now, residents are encouraged to savor the fleeting spring warmth, take in the celestial sights, and keep an umbrella—and perhaps a snow shovel—within arm’s reach as the first week of March delivers a little bit of everything the season has to offer.