Storm track(s) over the next 5 days

The large-scale weather pattern will feature a ridge of high pressure with drier conditions over much of Western North America with colder than average temperatures over Eastern North America. Along the northern periphery of the high-pressure ridge, Alaska will be favored for strong storms while the Rockies will see a little bit of snow on Friday and Tuesday.

Despite the cold pattern across the East, there are not any big storms on the horizon – rather a series of weaker storms that will bring moderate snow to the Great Lakes region and light snow across the Appalachians.

Forecast for Fri 1/21 – Sat 1/22

The Rockies are getting a temporary reprieve from the ongoing dry spell with a nice round of snow across Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado on Friday with lighter snow in Utah. A strong storm will bring heavy snow to Alaska, though ski resorts such as Alyeska and Eaglecrest could see high snow levels (rain/snow line) at times. The Upper Midwest will also see a weak storm on Saturday favoring the UP of Michigan

Forecast for Sun 1/23 – Mon 1/24:

Heavy snow will continue across Alaska on Sunday morning before eventually tapering off, followed by more snow later on Monday as the next storm approaches. A weaker storm will slide down the eastern side of the Continental Divide on Monday with light snow developing across Alberta and Montana. Southern Arizona/New Mexico could also see some light snow on Sunday. 

The East will see a round of light snow on Sunday, favoring areas from New York to West Virginia, while the Upper Midwest will see a stronger storm arrive on Monday.

Forecast for Tue 1/25 – Wed 1/26:

A storm will bring light to moderate snow to areas along and east of the Continental Divide from Montana to Northern New Mexico on Tuesday. Alaska will continue to see strong storms with heavy snow during this period, while the Upper Midwest and East will see periods of light to moderate snow. 

Outlook for Thu 1/27 – Mon 1/31:

A cold and relatively active pattern will continue across the East with additional shots of snow expected. Meanwhile, high pressure will finally start to break down in the West, opening the door to storms across the Pacific Northwest initially. More areas of the West will then start to see storms heading into early February. 

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Monday (1/24).

ALAN SMITH