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Omega Block Locks US in Extreme Weather
15 May
Summary
- An Omega Block weather pattern is causing varied weather nationwide.
- High pressure in the center brings heat, low pressure on coasts brings storms.
- Severe storms forecast for Plains/Mississippi Valley; rain on East Coast.
A large-scale weather pattern, known as an Omega Block, is currently dictating varied and extreme weather conditions across the United States. This phenomenon, named for its resemblance to the Greek letter Omega (Ω) in the jet stream, slows the atmosphere's typical west-to-east movement, locking weather systems in place.
The Omega Block creates a distinct division: a high-pressure zone in the center of the country fosters heat and clear skies, particularly across the Plains and South, with temperatures frequently in the 80s and 90s. Conversely, low-pressure systems on the eastern and western edges bring cooler, cloudier conditions with persistent rain and thunderstorms.
Severe weather, including damaging winds and large hail, is primarily anticipated in the Central Plains and Mississippi Valley through early Saturday. A minor tornado threat also exists in these regions. Along the Eastern Seaboard, rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue through Friday morning before moving offshore. Showers will also persist over Florida through Saturday.
This stalled pattern is projected to remain in place through the upcoming weekend, potentially causing multiple rounds of severe weather. However, forecasts indicate a return to more typical weather patterns by early next week as the Omega Block is expected to break down.
