Warm weather forecast across US
Heat will fuel severe weather in the central Great Plains
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Spring is returning, as a general warming trend is expected across a large swath of the country heading into the weekend.
CALIFORNIA SKI RESORTS GET 3 FEET OF SNOW FROM 'LATE-SEASON' STORM
Warm temperatures have shifted eastward, so areas in the 40s and 50s at the start of this week are ending in the 70s and 80s.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Friday forecast high temperatures (Credit: Fox News)
By Saturday, nearly 60% of the country will experience above-average temperatures.
However, that heat will fuel some severe weather in the central Great Plains Friday afternoon and evening.
Friday severe storm threat (Credit: Fox News)
These storms will pose a risk for hail, tornadoes and strong damaging wind gusts.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Very large hail in excess of 2 inches is likely from western Texas to southwestern Kansas.
Winter weather alerts (Credit: Fox News)
This powerful storm system does have cold air behind it and will turn into a winter storm for the northern Plains.
Winter storm watches have been issued and up to a foot of snow is possible in the Dakotas and Montana.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Friday fire weather outlook (Credit: Fox News)
Finally, extremely dry conditions and high winds continue to plague the Southwest.
Wind gusts ranging from 40-60 mph are forecast from Arizona to New Mexico and north into Colorado.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
This plus the low humidity has caused an extreme wildfire outlook for the weekend.