Severe weather, heavy snow and warmer temperatures all sum up the Easter holiday weekend

Written by Meteorologist Mary Wasson

Last updated 3/30/2024, 12:31:35 AM

"In like a lion out like a lamb" is a popular saying, but this year it seems to be switched around. Some locations may experience a calm and tranquil final weekend of March, while others will experience a more intense and wild one. 

This Easter weekend is expected to bring a wide range of weather conditions across the country. California may experience flooding rain and cold weather, Maine may have heavy snow, the Central Plains and Southeast may see warmer-than-normal temperatures, and the Midwest and Ohio Valley could face the possibility of severe weather.

Surface Map on Saturday:

Sunday Surface Map:

A potent slow-moving storm in California will bring flooding rain, gust winds, and heavy snow from the Sierra to the L.A. Basin. If you're planning to travel during this time, be advised that travel in the region could be nearly impossible due to the expected snowfall. To help you stay safe, the National Weather Service recommends keeping an extra flashlight, food, and water in your car.

Higher elevations, including Yosemite National Park, Mammoth Mountain, Big Bear, and Lake Arrowhead, are expected to receive up to 2 feet of snow, so make sure you're prepared.

Travel will be very difficult to nearly impossible in this region. The National Weather Service recommends keeping an extra flashlight, food, and water in your car if you must travel. 

1” - 3” of rain will fall in Southern California this weekend causing flash flooding, rockslides, and mudslides along with winds gusting up to 40 mph.

Temperatures will be about 10-20 degrees above normal. This is great news for some areas that may be getting their first taste of spring, so make sure you get outside and enjoy all the Easter festivities. Highs will be in the 80s from Texas into Oklahoma and east into the Midwest. 

Saturday's Temperatures:

Sunday's PM Temperatures:

On Sunday, there is a threat of some marginal severe weather in the Great Plains and Midwest but it will ramp up with a higher threat on Monday. The main issues will be hail, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes. 

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