Spring 2026 Weather Forecast U.S.: Warmer Temperatures, Storm Risks and What to Expect

Spring 2026 will likely be much warmer than average over the vast majority of the United States, while rainfall will vary drastically. 

According to data taken from The Old Farmer's Almanac, the warmer and drier trend will occur for most of the spring, while some areas of the country will receive greater amounts of rain and have varying temperatures throughout the spring months. 

The spring season of 2026 is expected to include significant temperature fluctuations over large areas of the country, as there will be a mix of cold temperatures in the far North early in the year and then much wetter than normal in the central sections later in the spring.

Check Out: Spring Equinox 2026: Exact Date and Time When Spring Begins in the U.S.

Temperature Forecast: April and May

According to forecasting models, most of the US will be warmer than normal during both April and May. 

The regions in the southern part of the US are expected to have more frequent warm temperatures; therefore, the eastern and central areas will warm more quickly than in previous years, which will be welcome after the cold winters experienced by these regions. 

However, the majority of the northern part of the US will experience slightly to significantly cooler temperatures than normal, thus making them, along with some parts of the Northwest (including Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, Montana, and parts of Colorado), the only regions that will not follow the national trend.

Regional Forecast

Northeast

Expect some warmer conditions throughout the Northeast; particularly in May will be warmer than normal but the overall amount of rainfall and snow will also decrease from earlier months as well.

Midwest and the Great Lakes Region

The Midwestern United States and Great Lakes region will see a mix of warmer and wetter than normal conditions with an increased probability of receiving additional precipitation, and possibly experiencing some stormy weather.

South Eastern United States

Conditions will be primarily warmer than normal, and further diversification of rainfall and moisture accumulation between the months of April and May is expected. 

Western United States

The Northwest will likely be cooler and wetter than normal, while the Southwest will remain warmer and drier than normal.

Slow Start to Spring in Northern States

While the overall trend is relatively warm in the spring of 2026, the first part of spring has gotten off to a slow start for some parts of the north (Northeast and North Central). 

For late March and early April, there may still be some lingering winter-type temperatures and frost in the mornings. 

Given this type of weather, agricultural producers might be concerned about planting and the safety of their early-blooming ornamental plants since the warm-up in the spring is likely going to be delayed.

Storm Risks and Severe Weather Potential

Based on rising temperatures and an increase in the moisture content in the atmosphere, there is a high probability of a weather pattern from storms across the central United States region during the spring months of 2026. 

When warm air interacts with incoming cold fronts, thunderstorms often develop so it is possible that major portions of the Plains and the Midwest could have severe weather, including hail, tornadoes, etc., during the peak months of April - June.