Spring has sprung, despite the calendar, bringing us sunshine and high temperatures in the 70's. Along with the warmer weather will come several chances for rain and even some strong storms through the next seven days. An active weather pattern remains in place like much of the winter months.

Our first chance of rain arrive late Thursday night and early Friday morning. Another chance comes in Friday afternoon and night with a threat for stronger storms, mainly with large hail. After that disturbance moves out, we can look forward to a break in the weather on Sunday before more storms are forecasted for Monday night thru Wednesday.

So why all the active weather? We are stuck in a La Nina pattern. The opposite of El Nino, La Nina is defined as cooler than normal sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific ocean that impact global weather patterns. La Niña conditions recur every few years and can persist for as long as two years.

For us, that means a wetter than average weather pattern and usually slightly warmer temperatures on average. For those of you who want a more specific detail of the region, check the map below. So far there is no sign of La Nina letting up. Until it does, we will likely stay in this active weather pattern and possibly see an active severe weather season.

Meteorologist Jennifer Rukavina