Easter weekend rain chances

After a lengthy cold stretch that made some of us wonder if spring would ever arrive (recall the Winter Weather Advisories on the first day of spring last week?), a massive trough responsible for the cold air is finally lifting east. This is allowing for more of a progressive weather pattern to develop, which means frontal systems passing through but better chances of warmer weather!

That process started yesterday with temps warming into the upper 60s (which felt pretty darn good!) and continues today as a stationary front and upper level disturbance combine to bring showers during the mid-day hours. That front will shift just to our south by tonight with wind shifting to the east and mainly dry weather for the end of today and tonight.  However, the front will once again lift north tomorrow as another disturbance moves through, bringing another round of showers and possibly an isolated thunderstorm during the daytime hours. For those planning Easter Egg Hunts or other outdoor activities Saturday, we strongly recommend a plan B, just in case. Timing of these "waves" of precipitation is not an exact science!

As we head into Saturday night, the front will once again make a last run south, bringing another good chance of rain and possible thunderstorms Saturday night into early Easter Sunday.  Those with outdoor Easter sunrise services also need to have alternate arrangements.  However, during the day Sunday, we expect the front to have "washed out" to our south and some sun to break out. This should push temperatures up to near 70, if not slightly above, Sunday afternoon. We're crossing our fingers for a decent end to Easter Sunday and maybe good egg hunting weather in the afternoon, despite wet ground! Fortunately no severe weather is anticipated this weekend.

Finally, late Monday or Monday night, another cold front (this one with much cooler air) moves through the Mid-South. Another chance of rain or thunderstorms accompanies it, followed by cool (non-springlike) temps for the middle of next week. Once again, we'll see highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s. Hopefully this cool spell doesn't last as long as the past one! That is doubtful as we head into April when average highs reach above 70. The complete MWN Forecast can be found here.

5-day rainfall projections indicate 1-2" of rain is possible through the holiday weekend and into early next week.

On a final note, we are saddened to let you know that this Sunday will be social media intern & nowcaster Hunter Smith's final day with MWN! Hunter (/HS on our social feeds) has been a great addition the past 8 months and we are grateful for his dedication and service to us and all of you!  Hunter graduated from the University of Memphis in December and has plans to attend graduate school in Meteorology.  We wish him all the best!

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