Well Below Normal

General Overview: ACTIVE WEATHER PATTERN ACROSS THE NATION WITH HEAVY SNOW POSSIBLE IN MONTANA, FREEZING RAIN POTENTIAL IN THE NORTHERN ROCKIES, AND RAIN/THUNDERSTORMS DEVELOPING ALONG THE GULF COAST BY THE WEEKEND. TEMPERATURE CONTRAST WILL BE SIGNIFICANT WITH WELL ABOVE NORMAL TEMPERATURES IN THE WEST AND BELOW NORMAL CONDITIONS SPREADING THROUGH THE CENTRAL STATES.

EAST:
A high pressure system will dominate the Eastern seaboard initially, bringing generally quiet weather conditions through Friday. By Saturday, a cold front will push into the region from the west, with a low pressure system developing near the Northeast. This will bring increasing moisture to portions of the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. Rain will develop across the Gulf Coast states and portions of the Southeast by Saturday, with some thunderstorm activity possible along coastal areas of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle. The cold front will continue pushing eastward through Sunday, bringing cooler air behind it. No significant winter precipitation is expected in the Northeast during this period, though some light mixed precipitation could occur in higher elevations.

Temperature Anomalies:

-Days 1-3: Generally near to slightly below normal temperatures across most of the East, with readings 2-6°F below normal, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions.

-Days 4-6: Cooling trend continues with below normal temperatures spreading throughout the region. Areas from the Ohio Valley through the Mid-Atlantic could see temperatures 6-10°F below normal.

-Days 7-10: Moderating temperatures with a gradual warming trend. By day 10, much of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic will return to near or slightly above normal, with some areas in the Southeast potentially 4-6°F above normal.

CENTRAL:
A complex weather pattern will affect the Central regions with multiple frontal boundaries. Initially, a cold front will push through the Central Plains and Midwest, bringing cooler air. The Northern Plains and Upper Midwest will experience below normal temperatures. Montana has potential for heavy snow, particularly in the mountainous regions. Areas of the Northern Rockies show potential for freezing rain, creating hazardous travel conditions. By the weekend, high pressure will build across the Central states, bringing drier conditions, though cold air will remain entrenched across the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest. A new frontal system approaches from the west by early next week, potentially bringing another round of precipitation.

Temperature Anomalies:

-Days 1-3: Sharp temperature contrast with below normal temperatures in the Northern Plains (6-12°F below normal) while the Southern Plains remain near to slightly above normal.

-Days 4-6: Cold anomalies intensify across the Central states with temperatures 8-12°F below normal in parts of the Midwest and Northern/Central Plains.

-Days 7-10: Warming trend begins in the Southern Plains, eventually spreading northward. By day 10, much of the Central and Southern Plains will experience above normal temperatures, potentially 6-12°F above normal in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

WEST:
High pressure systems will dominate much of the Western states, particularly across the Southwest and Great Basin. This will result in generally dry conditions and above normal temperatures for most areas. The Pacific Northwest will see more active weather with periods of rain along the coast and mixed precipitation in the higher elevations. Areas of rain and mountain snow will affect Washington and Oregon, with some precipitation extending into northern Idaho. The Northern Rockies, particularly Montana, will experience potential heavy snow and possible freezing rain, creating hazardous travel conditions. By early next week, a new system approaches the Pacific Northwest, bringing another round of precipitation to the region.

Temperature Anomalies:

-Days 1-3: Significantly above normal temperatures across most of the West, with anomalies of 6-12°F above normal in the Rockies and Interior West. The Pacific Northwest coast will be closer to normal.

-Days 4-6: Continued warm anomalies with temperatures remaining 6-12°F above normal across much of the Intermountain West and Rockies, with the warmest anomalies in Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah.

-Days 7-10: Persistent above normal temperatures throughout the West, with the warmest anomalies (8-12°F above normal) focused on the Four Corners region and Central/Southern Rockies. The warm pattern expands eastward into the Plains by day 10.

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