3-Month Weather Outlook is A Striking One

We're hearing the word "unprecedented" a lot these days, and that's not changing. This past winter was a unique one for most of the U.S., as it was much warmer than normal. Now, the three-month weather outlook is showing another unprecedented forecast. Will you get thunderstorms and severe weather? Will it be unseasonably cool or extra hot? Here's what they say.

Last winter was hot. In fact, Wunderground.com reports that the U.S. set a national winter record. "December 2023 through February 2024 was the Lower 48's warmest winter in 129 years," they state, according to data from NOAA's National Centers For Environmental Information. The previous record warm winter was from 2015-16, and this past winter topped that by 0.82 degree Fahrenheit. It wasn't close, either, as they state, "This winter's reading in the U.S. was an absolute pummeling of the old record." I totally felt it. In Michigan, we got up to the 70s in February. That set records. Last year, it got into the 50s in February, and I thought that was warm, so 70s is unbelievable.

W​hen it comes to particular states, eight U.S. states had their warmest winters on record for the 2023-24 winter: Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Vermont and Wisconsin. U.S. states that had their second warmed winters on record include Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Missouri and Ohio.

The National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center has released its April, May and June weather outlook. For much of the country, it's going to be another hot one. The Midwest and Northwest are on target to be well above normal when it comes to temperatures. Meanwhile, the Northeast, New England, the South and much of the West are expected to be above normal. Down in Florida, temperatures look average. So, if you're in the Midwest or Northwest, get ready to sweat. The seasonal precipitation outlook is calm for most of the country, with average precipitation. However, the South is the exception, with this area of the country looking at well above normal precipitation. This could cause flooding, so be prepared.

It's worth noting that the Farmer's Almanac has a different weather outlook, as they usually do. For May, they say to expect temperatures to be on the "cool side, with an active storm track possibly leading to widespread severe weather. This is especially true over the Great Lakes, Midwest, and parts of the Southeast states during the third week of May."

Nobody likes dealing with severe weather. But, it's part of life. Depending on where you live in the United States, you might come up against hurricanes, tornados, severe thunderstorms, blizzards and more. I've certainly had my fair share of severe weather events. Probably my most vivid memory was being in an ice storm, which knocked power out for about a week where I lived, including during Christmas. It was freezing cold, so my family and I had to go to a hotel that was out of town. Needless to say, our Christmas plans were totally different that year. So, what are some severe weather safety tips that may safe your life?

Before we get to the main tips, let's get through some basics. Stay informed when a severe weather event is approaching. It's simple but important. You don't want to be caught off guard when bad weather strikes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service both have information that they provide leading up to and during a severe weather event. So, make sure to get the latest information in the case of any weather emergency. Local meteorologists also have good information, but the main alerts come from the National Weather Service.

Another mistake some people make is not taking "watches" seriously. For example, you might see that there's a severe thunderstorm watch in your area and think, oh, it's just a watch, I can go out for a walk. Don't do it. "A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain," the National Weather Service explains. We'll get more into the specifics of a watch, warning and advisory later in this story.

Let's get into some severe weather safety tips that may safe your life.

A weather advisory, watch and warning all need to be taken seriously. So, what do they mean? According to the National Weather Service, "a warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely." A watch is where "the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain." Finally, an advisory means, "hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely."

During a severe thunderstorm, and any severe weather event, the best thing to do is stay inside and sheltered. "The best defense against thunderstorms is to stay inside a sturdy building or shelter that can protect you from deadly lightning, large hail, damaging winds, flooding rain and tornadoes," the National Weather Service says. Also, you don't want to risk getting hit by lightning, like in the image below.

During a tornado, get underground if possible. If you don't have a basement, get to the lowest floor possible. Also, during a tornado, watch for flying and falling debris. The National Weather Service advises to "use pillows, blankets, coats, helmets, etc. to cover up and protect your head and body from flying debris."

Be prepared. Have a good emergency kit, both in your house and your car. For the car, "An emergency kit should include booster cables, shovel, tow rope, sand or cat litter, and a flashlight with extra batteries," the National Weather Service says. "Do not forget a first aid kit, non-perishable food, and blankets or sleeping bags."

This one my mom and dad always tell me to do. And, they're right. "Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel line," the National Weather Service advises.

Heat can make for a severe weather event, too. So, dress appropriately when it gets really hot. "Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures," the National Weather Service says. They add to guzzle lots of "water or non-alcoholic fluids."

Sometimes, you just have to leave ahead of the storm to be safe. In the case of a hurricane, the National Weather Service says to "leave immediately if ordered." They also say that if you are allowed to stay, to "take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level during the storm. Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can," and "stay away from windows, skylights and glass doors."

Weather isn't just about thunderstorms and tornados. Air quality is a big part of weather events these days, too. Be on the lookout for air quality alerts in your area. If you have respiratory issues, you should wear a mask when out and about in bad air quality. You should also say inside if the air quality is especially bad.

Even on a perfect weather day, if you're at the beach, there are risks. The NOAA states, "To stay safe, you need to stay aware of the weather, the ocean, tide, and what is going on around you." They add, "Storms, such as thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes far out at sea can create dangerous waves and currents at the beach, even on a sunny day!"