Near to Above Normal

General Overview: WINTER STORM SYSTEM TO BRING HEAVY SNOW, MIXED PRECIPITATION, AND SEVERE WEATHER ACROSS CENTRAL AND EASTERN US OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS. TEMPERATURES TO FLUCTUATE SIGNIFICANTLY WITH COLD AIR IN THE NORTH AND WARM AIR IN THE SOUTH.

EAST:  A powerful winter storm system will impact the eastern United States over the next few days. Heavy snow is expected across parts of the Northeast and Great Lakes, with accumulations of 6 inches or more possible in some areas. Mixed precipitation, including freezing rain, is likely along the transition zone between rain and snow, creating hazardous travel conditions. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast for the Southeast, with a risk of severe weather including damaging winds and isolated tornadoes. As the system moves through, cold air will filter in behind it, bringing below average temperatures to much of the region by the weekend.

Temperature Anomalies:

-Days 1-3: Much below average across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, near average in the Southeast
-Days 4-6: Below average temperatures expand across most of the East
-Days 7-10: Gradual moderation, with near average temperatures returning to much of the region

CENTRAL:  The central United States will be at the epicenter of a significant winter storm system over the next few days. Heavy snow is likely across the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest, with blizzard conditions possible in some areas. Further south, a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain will create treacherous travel conditions from the Central Plains into the Ohio Valley. Severe thunderstorms are possible in the lower Mississippi Valley, with a risk of tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail. As the system moves east, much colder air will filter in behind it, bringing well below average temperatures to much of the region.

Temperature Anomalies:

-Days 1-3: Well below average across the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest, above average in the Southern Plains
-Days 4-6: Below average temperatures expand across most of the Central US
-Days 7-10: Gradual moderation, with near average temperatures returning to much of the region

WEST:  The western United States will experience generally quieter weather compared to the central and eastern regions. A series of weak systems will bring periods of rain and mountain snow to the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies. Dry conditions are expected across much of the Southwest. Temperatures will be near to slightly above average for most areas, with the warmest anomalies in the Desert Southwest.

Temperature Anomalies:

-Days 1-3: Near average for most areas, slightly above average in the Southwest
-Days 4-6: Warming trend, with above average temperatures expanding across much of the West
-Days 7-10: Continued above average temperatures for most areas, especially in the Southwest

TROPICAL: No tropical cyclone activity is expected in the Atlantic or Eastern Pacific basins over the next 7 days.