March 2019 brought a mix of active weather patterns across the Northern Hemisphere, with shifting storm tracks and above-average temperatures shaping the month. This overview highlights the dominant systems, notable extremes, and how the month compared to typical conditions.
Seasonal climate signals, including lingering La Niña influences in the Pacific, helped steer storm development and temperature trends throughout March 2019, making it a month of contrasts for many regions.
| Region | Temperature Anomaly | Precipitation Anomaly | Key Weather Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central United States | Above average by 2–4°C | Below average, dry start | Mid-month tornado outbreaks |
| Northern Europe | Near to slightly below average | Above average, wet conditions | Strong cyclones, flooding in Scandinavia |
| East Asia | Above average, early warmth | Variable, early season rains | Severe wind events, sandstorms |
| Arctic | Much above average | N/A | Record low sea ice extent early month |
Temperature Patterns Across Continents
North America and Europe
North America experienced a pronounced warm spell in March 2019, with many central and eastern stations recording temperatures several degrees above the 1991–2020 normals. In contrast, northern Europe dealt with a more turbulent pattern, as active low-pressure systems brought frequent cold fronts and above-normal precipitation to Scandinavia and the Baltic states.
Asia and the Arctic
East Asia saw earlier-than-usual spring warmth, which affected crop calendars and increased the frequency of severe wind events. The Arctic was especially noteworthy, with temperatures far above average contributing to exceptionally low sea ice coverage at the start of the melt season.
Storm Tracks and Precipitation Extremes
Cyclone Activity and Flooding
A series of deep extratropical cyclones moved across the North Atlantic and North Pacific, maintaining a stormy corridor toward Western Europe. Repeated heavy rainfall episodes led to localized flooding, especially in Norway and Sweden, where rivers reached early-season high-water marks.
Severe Convection in the Central United States
As warmth and moisture surged northward ahead of cold fronts, the Central Plains and Midwest experienced multiple severe thunderstorm outbreaks. These events produced large hail, damaging winds, and a higher-than-average number of tornadoes for early March.
Climate Drivers and Long-Range Influences
ENSO and Teleconnections
Weak La Niña conditions continued into March 2019, influencing storm tracks and temperature patterns. The Pacific–North American pattern amplified temperature contrasts, contributing to the warmth in eastern North America and the unsettled weather in northern Europe.
Seasonal Context and Impacts
- Warmer temperatures advanced snowmelt and influenced early spring hydrological conditions in northern regions.
- Multiple severe weather events in the Central United States resulted in agricultural and infrastructure impacts.
- Persistent cyclones in Europe led to transport disruptions and heightened flood risk in mountainous valleys.
- Arctic sea ice reached record low levels at the start of the month, reinforcing broader climate trends.
FAQ
Reader questions
How unusual was the warmth in central North America during March 2019?
Temperatures were running 2–4°C above the long-term average for the region, making it one of the warmer Marches on record in the Central United States.
Did the Arctic warmth affect weather farther south?
Yes, the exceptionally warm Arctic conditions helped destabilize the polar jet stream, contributing to episodes of severe weather and unseasonable warmth in mid-latitude areas.
What made the tornado activity in March 2019 notable?
The month featured multiple outbreak days with tornadoes occurring earlier than is typical, which is consistent with warmer-than-normal temperatures and strong wind shear ahead of cold fronts.
Which regions experienced notable flooding due to March cyclones?
Scandinavia, particularly Norway and Sweden, saw significant rainfall and river flooding as a sequence of intense cyclones tracked across Northern Europe.