Meteorologists are predicting a round of severe thunderstorms in the Midwest early this week as a result of record-breaking warmth and clashing air masses. The storms, which may bring tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds, are expected to hit parts of Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio on Tuesday. Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis are among the cities at risk for facing these powerful storms.

The unusual weather phenomena are being attributed to a combination of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico, and a potent cold front moving into the Midwest. The clash of these air masses is expected to ignite severe thunderstorms, presenting a Level 2 of 4 risk for the aforementioned states.

The intense weather pattern will see temperatures soar above average by 30 degrees across much of the central US on Monday. Cities like Minneapolis will experience temperatures reminiscent of May, while Dallas will be sizzling in heat more typical of mid-June. However, by Wednesday, a significant temperature drop is expected, with some areas experiencing a plummet of 30 to 40 degrees in just 24 hours.

Chicago is forecasted to reach the upper 60s on Monday and the 70s on Tuesday before temperatures plummet to the low 30s on Wednesday. Meanwhile, low temperatures in Minneapolis are expected to dip into the single digits by Wednesday morning.

These abrupt weather changes are not exclusive to the Midwest, as the East Coast will witness unseasonably warm temperatures on Wednesday before a potent cold front sweeps through and drops temperatures significantly on Thursday. The rollercoaster of temperatures is expected to continue throughout the week, with warm conditions returning to the central US by Friday and much of the East by Saturday.

The Climate Prediction Center forecasts that above-average warmth will persist through early March over the eastern half of the US. The shift in seasons and extreme weather patterns are indicative of the broader impact of human-caused climate change on global temperatures, with winter now being the fastest-warming season for nearly 75% of the US.