This vid includes animated predictions for both the Jet Stream and the Tropopause.
According to these two animations, severe weather could be a problem for the Dakotas down to Texas and eastward beginning on April 20th, or this Friday. Of course there are other factors, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Please use these tools to do your own analysis and compare with your local reports.
The Gulf and East Coast can also receive a punch of cold air and possible severe weather.
These two animated predictions do change, so if you live in any area where you see the Dark Blue "blobs" or faster moving tropopause currents, you might want to check these two links as you make your plans.
Also, on or around the 24th a strong system will enter mid and southern California. Again, check these two links for daily updates.
The Animated Jet Stream Prediction
The Animated Tropopause Prediction from the University of Utah
Here's the 7 day prediction, filmed yesterday
I also like to compare what is seen on the above reports with NOAA's predictions. Here's todays.
U.S. Hazards Outlook - Made Apr 18, 2012
HAZARDS
MUCH ABOVE NORMAL TEMPERATURES FOR MOST OF THE WESTERN U.S., APRIL 21-24.
HEAVY RAIN ACROSS THE MID-ATLANTIC REGION AND NEW ENGLAND, AND PARTS OF THE SOUTHEAST, APRIL 21-23.
SEVERE WEATHER FOR PARTS OF THE SOUTHEAST, APRIL 21.
SEVERE DROUGHT FOR PARTS OF THE SOUTHEAST, MID-ATLANTIC, NEW ENGLAND, CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN PLAINS, UPPER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY, SOUTHWEST, PORTIONS OF CALIFORNIA AND THE CENTRAL GREAT BASIN, AND HAWAII.
You can go to this link any day and choose a NOAA prediction report:
National Weather Prediction Center
Of course, this is weather, and is always subject to change; however, it is possible to get a handle on the situation with these tools.
Also, if you read the NOAA April 18th report, you will have learned that NOAA predicts a High Pressure system over the Dakotas and the upper midwest. Right now there is a Low Pressure system in this area.
To see the High/Low Pressure map for the day, you can go to this link.
I've been watching and recording the Jet Stream and Tropopause prediction animations for almost a year now. So far, they have been quite accurate; however, they do change dramatically in a day sometimes, so it's always good to watch the latest versions.
I recently found an animated Wind Map that shows the direction of surface winds. This is really cool to watch. It helps to see where the warm air from the Gulf/south might mix with cooler air from the north.
When I am using online services to see what might be headed my way, I also check the water vapor report. There are two satellites providing this information:
GOES East
GOES West
GOES East provides information for a larger portion of the United States. If you watch this animation you can see where the storms are pop up and gauge their intensity. GOES East is great for a quick glance of the most recent developments.
Last, but certainly not least Intellicast provides weather, earthquakes, fires, surface temperatures, ocean temperatures, and alerts. I heart Intellicast.
Enjoy and share with others. You might want to bookmark these links.