Cold Anomalies Continue

General Overview: ACTIVE WEATHER PATTERN ACROSS THE NATION WITH SIGNIFICANT PRECIPITATION EXPECTED IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST AND NORTHERN ROCKIES. A DEVELOPING WINTER STORM WILL BRING SNOW, MIXED PRECIPITATION, AND FREEZING RAIN TO PORTIONS OF THE GREAT LAKES AND MIDWEST BY TUESDAY. THUNDERSTORMS POSSIBLE ACROSS THE SOUTHWEST AND SOUTHERN PLAINS. TEMPERATURE CONTRAST WILL BE PRONOUNCED WITH BELOW NORMAL TEMPERATURES IN THE EAST AND WELL ABOVE NORMAL TEMPERATURES ACROSS THE NORTHERN PLAINS AND ROCKIES.

EAST:  A high pressure system will dominate the eastern United States through the weekend, bringing generally dry conditions. By Tuesday, a developing low pressure system over the Great Lakes will push a cold front through the region. This system will bring rain to much of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, with mixed precipitation and potential freezing rain developing across portions of the Northeast and Great Lakes. The Ohio Valley could see a transition from rain to snow as colder air filters in behind the system. By midweek, precipitation will clear out as high pressure returns to the region. The most significant hazard will be the potential for freezing rain and mixed precipitation in the Great Lakes region on Tuesday, which could create difficult travel conditions.

Temperature Anomalies:

-Days 1-3: Below normal temperatures will persist across much of the East, with anomalies of 3-6 degrees below normal. The coldest conditions will be focused in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

-Days 4-6: Temperatures will moderate somewhat but remain slightly below normal for most areas. The Northeast will see a slight warming trend as the week progresses.

-Days 7-10: Near normal temperatures will return to most of the East by the end of the period, with some slightly above normal readings possible in the Southeast by days 9-10.

CENTRAL:  The Central United States will experience changing weather patterns throughout the forecast period. Initially, a low pressure system over the Northern Plains will bring snow and mixed precipitation to portions of the region. By Sunday, high pressure will build in temporarily before another, stronger low pressure system develops over the Upper Midwest by Monday. This system will bring a significant precipitation shield across the region, with rain in the southern portions transitioning to snow and mixed precipitation further north. The Great Lakes region could see freezing rain and mixed precipitation by Tuesday, creating potentially hazardous travel conditions. Thunderstorms may develop across portions of the Southern Plains, particularly in Texas, where instability will be greatest.

Temperature Anomalies:

-Days 1-3: A sharp temperature contrast will be evident with below normal temperatures in the eastern portions of the Central region and significantly above normal temperatures (6-12 degrees) in the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest.

-Days 4-6: The warm anomalies will expand and intensify across the Central Plains and Northern Plains, with temperatures potentially reaching 10-15 degrees above normal in parts of the Dakotas and Nebraska.

-Days 7-10: Warm anomalies will persist but gradually moderate, shifting slightly eastward. By the end of the period, most of the Central region will experience temperatures 3-6 degrees above normal.

WEST:  Active weather will continue across the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies with multiple systems bringing precipitation to these regions. A cold front along the West Coast on Saturday will bring rain and mountain snow to Washington, Oregon, and Northern California. By Sunday, a low pressure system will develop offshore, enhancing precipitation across the Pacific Northwest. Snow levels will be relatively low, resulting in significant mountain snow accumulations in the Cascades and Northern Rockies. Further south, scattered thunderstorms are possible across portions of Arizona and New Mexico. By Monday and Tuesday, another system will bring additional precipitation to the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies, with mixed precipitation possible at lower elevations. Southern California and the Desert Southwest will remain mostly dry throughout the period.

Temperature Anomalies:

-Days 1-3: Above normal temperatures will dominate across most of the West, particularly in the Rockies and Intermountain West where anomalies of 6-12 degrees above normal are expected.

-Days 4-6: The warm pattern will persist with continued above normal temperatures. The warmest anomalies will remain focused in the Northern Rockies and High Plains.

-Days 7-10: Temperatures will begin to moderate but remain generally above normal across most of the West. By the end of the period, near normal temperatures may return to portions of the Pacific Northwest and California.

TROPICAL: No tropical cyclone activity is expected during the next 7 days in either the Atlantic or Eastern Pacific