By Trish Svoboda/Image courtesy Canva

Forecasters say much of March should remain relatively quiet, with warmer-than-normal temperatures expected across the region.

A high-pressure system is expected to keep conditions calm through the middle of the month. Chip Redmond, K-State meteorologist, said temperatures will trend above normal, although a stronger cold front could bring a brief period of cooler weather.

“I don’t really see any big moisture source or big storm impactful storm system through till maybe the end of March where we start to get into a more active pattern. Again, I still expect this active pattern to continue to enjoy the break. We have it here in the middle of March.”

Redmond said he does not expect any major storm systems or significant moisture until closer to the end of March, when weather patterns could become more active.

While the quiet stretch continues, he encourages families to use the time to review severe weather safety plans. Residents should discuss where they would take shelter if a tornado warning is issued and make sure they can receive warnings from multiple sources.

“This is a great time to talk about severe weather and what you would do during severe weather with your family and friends and kind of develop a plan. Take this opportunity to think about it and communicate. Where are we going to go if there’s a tornado? And if we get a tornado warning, it’s a good time to know that you need to get warnings from multiple sources. Don’t rely on just your cell phone. A weather radio is a great thing to have.”

Parents are also encouraged to prepare activities to help keep children calm and occupied while sheltering. “The most important thing I recommend is that if you have young ones that this could be very concerning for them. They get worried, they get stressed out. Make sure you have something for them to do.”

Tornado warnings can provide 15 to 20 minutes of lead time, and families may need to remain in a safe space until the storm passes and an all-clear is given.