Super Tuesday weather: A mixed forecast across the U.S.
As Super Tuesday begins, the influence of weather on voter turnout becomes a topic of conversation among pundits and the public alike. While opinions vary on how significant the impact is, the weather forecast remains a point of keen interest. This Tuesday, as several states prepare for primaries, the weather plays a diverse role across the country, from snow showers in the west to pleasant conditions in parts of the south and Midwest and rain in the south and northeast.
9:01 AM EST, March 5, 2024
In the aftermath of a significant winter storm that blanketed the Sierra Nevada and parts of the Mountain West with snow, remnants of the storm are expected to persist into Tuesday. Northern California's mountains and areas in Utah and Colorado are forecasted to experience lingering snow showers. This could pose challenges for voters in these regions, potentially affecting turnout in areas where travel may be hazardous.
Conversely, the weather outlook for Texas and Oklahoma is markedly more favorable. Following a week of poor conditions that exacerbated wildfires, Tuesday is set to bring a reprieve with pleasant weather anticipated. Minnesota joins these states in expecting fair weather conditions, albeit with temperatures slightly above the average for this time of year.
However, the election weather narrative takes a turn with the forecast for most other states holding primaries on Tuesday. Two coastal storms are poised to bring at least a chance of rain to the South and Northeast, which could influence voter participation in these regions. In Arkansas and Tennessee, a Gulf Coast storm system is expected to produce showers throughout the day, with the potential for heavier rainfall in Alabama as the day progresses.
The situation is similar in the northeast, where eastern Virginia, from Arlington to Virginia Beach, will likely see rain. Massachusetts, Vermont, and southern Maine are forecasted to experience steadier rain, which may prompt concerns over voter turnout in these typically colder regions.
