SPC Day 3-8 Fire Weather Outlook Day 3-8 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0457 PM CDT Fri Mar 13 2026 Valid 151200Z - 211200Z Progressive zonal flow continues across the central US this weekend transitioning into a higher amplitude pattern early next week characterized by deep troughing over the East and a strong ridge over the West. On Day 3/Sunday, an upper-level trough will dig southward into the central and southern Rocky Mountains. This trough will track through the Great Lakes region by the end of Day 4/Monday before lifting northeast on Day 5/Tuesday. Simultaneously, a robust upper-level ridge will amplify over the western CONUS. By mid-to-late week, the upper high is forecast over southern Arizona, with much above normal geopotential heights over much of the western CONUS. On Day 3/Sunday, strong northwest flow on the backside of the upper-level trough will maintain a corridor of strong winds and persistent dry air across almost all of