The Modoki index continues to strengthen as La Nina characteristics persist near the Dateline while warming in the eastern equatorial Pacific is dramatic. Currently, one of the strongest La Nina Modoki episodes on record is strengthening.

The latest NOAA/NWS weather watch, warning, and advisory areas reveal a large area of high wind across the Great Plains extending to the Ohio and Tennessee Valley. Risk of tornadoes extends from Missouri/Illinois to Mississippi for later today and tonight.

Rainfall amount from former Category-4 Major Hurricane Alfred was widespread >25 inches from far southeast Queensland to coastal northeast New South Wales last week with high spots near 44 inches. The latest forecast indicates a favorable Madden Julian oscillation to cause more widespread rains the second half of March!

An unusually strong wind event begins Friday across the southwest Great Plains and Texas shifting to Kansas Friday night. Hurricane force wind is widespread with this event. The high wind event shifts to Nebraska and the Northern Ohio Valley next Saturday. Another high wind event with similar intensity in the same location is forecast early next week.