A major weather pattern shift is expected in the US between now and Halloween, driven by Hurricane Norma in the East Pacific Ocean. The hurricane will bring moisture to the central US, potentially providing drought relief to areas such as Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Heavy rain is forecasted for the central US, particularly in Texas and Oklahoma, with some areas possibly receiving up to 10 inches of rain.
Looking ahead to Halloween, the forecast appears generally quiet, with warm temperatures in the central US and a chance of rain on the East Coast. However, it's what happens after Halloween that's concerning, as a pattern flip is expected to bring cold air to the western US and warm air to the east, potentially leading to the start of fall tornado season.
The interaction of cold and warm air could lead to significant storms and potentially tornadoes, particularly in the plains and southeastern US. Climatological data suggests that November is typically a more active month for tornadoes, and this year may follow that trend.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Hurricane Norma is a category 3 hurricane in the East Pacific Ocean.
2. Hurricane Norma is expected to slightly weaken as it approaches the Baja California Peninsula.
3. By 12:00 a.m. Tuesday, Hurricane Norma is predicted to be a tropical depression in northwest Mexico.
4. Moisture from Hurricane Norma will spill into parts of Texas.
5. A trough from the West will absorb the energy of Hurricane Norma and sling it into the states.
6. A new low-pressure system will form over the southwestern US.
7. The cold air loft will interact with warmer air in the east, leading to thunderstorms.
8. A channel of moisture from the Pacific Ocean will develop over the central US.
9. Heavy rain is expected in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
10. The heaviest precipitation will be in Texas and Oklahoma on Monday and Tuesday.
11. A new storm system will develop in the north, leading to heavy rain in the Great Lakes region.
12. Some areas in the central US could receive up to 10 inches of rain.
13. A line of showers will sweep across the eastern US next weekend.
14. Rain showers will be light, except in the Northeast, where heavier rain is possible.
15. Cold air will settle into the northern US after the front passes.
16. There is a possibility of snow in the north-central US and Northeast around Halloween.
17. Halloween weather is expected to be quiet, with cold and wet conditions in the west and warm conditions in the south.
18. A major pattern flip is expected after Halloween, with cold air infiltrating the western US and warm air returning to the east.
19. This pattern flip could lead to the beginning of the fall tornado season.
20. Storm systems will carry cold air into the warmer air in the plains and Southeastern US, potentially leading to big storms and tornadoes.
21. Tornado activity is expected to ramp up in November, with an emphasis on the south-central US.
22. Tornadoes can be expected throughout a huge chunk of the states in December.