User:Wxtrackercody/Tornado outbreak of March 20–21, 1976

Meteorological Synopsis
March 1976 was the most active March for tornadoes in recorded U.S. history. About 180 tornadoes occurred during the month, more than double the current climatological average of 80. In the upper-levels of the atmosphere, persistent ridging extended across the western Atlantic and the East Coast of the United States, while upper-level troughing sagged southwestward from Greenland into the western United States. This ridge contributed to ample moisture supply into the central and eastern portions of the country, in addition to well above-average temperatures. By March 20, a strong mid-level disturbance progressed across the northwestern United States and into the Plains region. This system led to the formation of a potent 984 mb low-pressure area across Minnesota, and that low supported a cold front down into Texas. Ahead of this front, a broad region of unstable air developed, with temperatures into the 70s and dewpoints into the 60s as far north as Illinois. An intense low-level jet up to 60 mph aided in the formation of tornadic thunderstorms. Dozens of tornadoes, many significant and long-lived, would ultimately be confirmed from Michigan southward into Louisiana.