April Begins With Threat of Severe Thunderstorms Across the South

March 31,2017
This weekend, another jet stream disturbance will likely fire off more severe weather and heavy rain in the South, and this threat will continue into early next week.
(MORE: Tornado Central)
Another round of severe storms is expected in the southern Plains, Gulf Coast and lower Mississippi Valley this weekend as another bullish jet stream trough lumbers out of the Southwest.

Setup for severe thunderstorms on Sunday.

(MORE: Tornadoes Damage Church, Homes in Virginia)
This energetic system will combine with moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and moderate instability to form strong to severe thunderstorms early next week.
This may be a three-day threat beginning Saturday and likely lasting through Monday.
In addition to the risk of severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and flash flooding will also be concerns.
(MORE: 7-Day Severe Weather Outlook)
If that wasn't enough, yet another jet stream disturbance may kick off another round of severe storms next Tuesday through Thursday in some of the same areas.
Below are the forecast details into early next week.

Saturday

• Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to develop from western and central Oklahoma into parts of northern and central Texas.
• The risk of severe weather will slide east into portions of eastern Texas Saturday night.
• The primary threats are large hail and damaging wind gusts, but an isolated tornado is also possible.
• FORECAST: Oklahoma City | Abilene, Texas | San Antonio, Texas

Saturday's Thunderstorm Forecast

Sunday

• The threat of severe thunderstorms will slide east, stretching from eastern Texas into the lower Mississippi Valley.
• Thunderstorms will continue tracking east Sunday night into parts of the Deep South and along the northern Gulf Coast.
• The main threats are damaging wind gusts, large hail and a few tornadoes. Locally heavy rain is also a concern.
• FORECAST: Houston | Shreveport, Louisiana | New Orleans

Sunday's Thunderstorm Forecast

Monday

• Parts of the Deep South and Southeast, including parts of northern Florida, will see the risk of severe thunderstorms.
• Damaging wind gusts, large hail and an isolated tornado are all concerns. Locally heavy rain is also likely.
• FORECAST: Birmingham, Alabama | Mobile, Alabama | Tallahassee, Florida

Monday's Thunderstorm Forecast

Midweek, the next low pressure system will move into the Plains and Midwest, possibly bringing the risk of severe weather. Be sure to check back with weather.com for forecast updates.
(MORE: April's Tornadic, Dangerous Reputation)

Drought-Helping Rainfall

The multiple waves of rain and thunderstorms into early next week will also be beneficial to areas experiencing drought in the middle of the country.

Rainfall Forecast

Parts of the Plains, Southeast and Northeast are in drought, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor. Much of this drought area should see another inch or more of rain through early next week.
(MAPS: Weekly Planner)
A swath from the northern Gulf Coast to the Northeast could see 2 to 3 inches or more, potentially triggering local flash flooding, especially in urban areas.

MORE: Midwest Severe Weather Outbreak, Feb. 28-March 1 (PHOTOS)

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