Big Winter Storm Through the Weekend

In the Midwest, clippers brought some light snow to the region this week, being enhanced by some lake-effect as well. A major winter storm system will bring heavy snow to the south and east this weekend. Some light snow will be possible across the region next week with a couple more clippers moving through.

In the Northern Plains, isolated light snow moved through this week, but was barely noticeable. Rather dry conditions are forecast through next week, with maybe some more isolated snow with a couple of clippers moving through.

In the Central and Southern Plains, it was quiet this week, even with a very strong cold front moving through Thursday into Friday. A major winter storm will form in the region on Friday though, lasting into early Sunday. Widespread mixed precipitation is in the forecast with rain across south Texas, freezing rain for north Texas and southern Oklahoma, and sleet and snow for the northern Texas Panhandle through Kansas. Snowfall amounts more than six inches will be likely, and icing could cause infrastructure damage with downed trees and powerlines. Though a clipper or two may reinforce the cold air next week, precipitation is not expected.  

In the Delta, some showers moved through on Wednesday and were heavy in some spots. That may have helped to ease some of the drought in the region. But a major winter storm will bring through a heavy burst of precipitation this weekend. Freezing rain across the south will turn to sleet and snow in the north, leading to areas of more than 12 inches of snow and a half inch of ice being possible. Significant damage to infrastructure appears likely with downed trees and powerlines. Drier weather is likely next week, though the region may have to watch for another winter system late next week.

In the Southeast, a few isolated showers moved through the region late this week, though they did not help out the drought situation much. A major winter storm will move through this weekend with rain changing to freezing rain, sleet, and then snow from south to north. Heavy snow and freezing rain may cause damage. Dry weather is likely next week, though the region may need to watch for another winter storm late next week.

In the Western U.S., it was dry for most of the week. An upper-level trough moved into the Southwest late this week and brought isolated showers that are increasing as the system moves into New Mexico. Drier weather will follow this system for next week, though some isolated showers may move through northern areas as well. The tendency has been for drought reduction in the region over the last few months, but recent dryness may be reversing that trend.

John Baranick can be reached at john.baranick@dtn.com