Severe weather is forecasted across multiple regions of the United States this weekend, with dangerous thunderstorms, strong winds, and even tornado warnings slated for areas from Michigan to the southeastern states.
On Saturday, March 15, 2025, the National Weather Service is predicting rain and thunderstorms across Michigan, with strong winds gusting up to 55 mph expected throughout the day. Northern Michigan residents may see temperatures soar to 70 degrees before rain and storms hit, with significant transitions expected as temperatures plunge to the 30s and 40s by Sunday, March 16.
Easily warming to comfortable afternoon highs, the weather will quickly shift, potentially causing treacherous conditions. "After a line of storms Friday night, showers and possible thunderstorms will return Saturday afternoon and evening, creating the potential for hazardous weather," the NWS Grand Rapids office warned. Hail is also being monitored as the storms roll through eastern Michigan.
Meanwhile, Saturday will see the final preparations for the Chicago River dyeing, but weather advisories cast concern on the celebrations. A system of severe thunderstorms sweeping through the Chicago area is expected to cause wind gusts of up to 80 mph, particularly between 10 p.m. Friday and 2 a.m. Saturday. Early forecasts indicated the potential for isolated hail and tornadoes, which could disrupt plans for the dyeing festivities.
High winds will remain throughout Saturday morning, with additional advisories currently issued for gusts exceeding 60 mph. Such conditions will drop high temperatures sharply to the low 40s by Sunday morning, leaving communities to brace for gusty conditions and rain.
Reports also highlight the risk of severe thunderstorms impacting parts of Kentucky, which is on alert this Saturday, March 15. The WHAS11 Weather Impact Team has declared this day as one of heightened awareness due to the threat of strong-to-severe thunderstorms. While the storm line is anticipated to weaken before reaching Louisville, areas west of Interstate 65 could still experience heavy rain and gusty winds, particularly before sunrise.
The threat escalates as the day progresses, especially for southern counties where more severe weather risks loom. Notably, tornado watches will be more pronounced south of Kentucky, impacting Alabama and Mississippi under growing storm systems.
For Florida residents, March 16 has been labeled as Storm Alert Day by FOX 35 due to anticipated severe thunderstorms, torrential rain, and damaging winds. Central Florida residents should prepare for storms enabled by higher temperatures and humidity, which serve to fuel these systems. The area faces flash flooding and potential tornado sightings from Sunday afternoon through evening.
"Winds will veer with altitude, generating air rotation from the ground to jet stream level, and thunderstorms could enter the radar with spinning potential," warned FOX 35 meteorologist Brooks Garner. The storms are set to enter Central Florida early afternoon, bringing their impacts as far as the Orlando Metro area.
Gusty winds and hail are expected, with conditions tracking through the southeastern states causing residents to remain vigilant. This weather pattern is part of broader trends, as multiple regions across the Midwest and South prepare for potential storms.
Back to the Lehigh Valley, it’s shaping up to be mostly cloudy on Saturday but with temperatures reaching the mid-50s before shifting drastically. By Sunday, March 16, thunderstorms are expected, fueled by stronger winds with gusts between 35 to 50 mph as heavy rain hits the region. The National Weather Service indicates the potential for considerable rainfall totaling between half and one full inch.
Advisories stress the importance of preparation as conditions worsen. This coming weekend stands as more than just the final stretch of winter; it could lead to severe weather with widespread impacts across various states, emphasizing community safety and preparedness.
Residents throughout the affected regions are urged to stay informed and follow local weather updates, especially during severe weather alerts and storm warnings. Reminders for tornado safety include finding interior shelter away from windows and having emergency kits ready.
This weekend, citizens from Michigan down to Florida should remain weather-aware and heed warnings from meteorological services as storm systems significantly shape the regional forecast.