Storm track favors the Midwest and East (and also Alaska) this week

The weather pattern over the next seven days will feature a persistent ridge of high pressure (i.e. mild and dry) across the West and a trough of low pressure (i.e. colder and more active) across the East.

Across the top of the ridge, Alaska and Northern BC will see frequent storms with heavy snow, but also warm temperatures and occasional low elevation rain. The Upper Midwest and East will see more frequent shots of snow, cold temperatures, and generally good skiing conditions. 

Forecast for Mon 2/7 – Tue 2/8:

Back-to-back storms will impact the Northwest on Monday and Tuesday with heavy snow for Alaska and Northern/Central BC, while a little bit of light snow will extend into Southern BC and Northern Washington. A weak storm will bring light snow to the Upper Midwest on Monday, while a stronger storm located just off the East Coast will bring moderate to locally heavy snow to New Hampshire, Maine, and New Brunswick. 

Forecast for Wed 2/9 – Thu 2/10:

A weak storm will slide down the eastern slopes of the Continental Divide on Wednesday with light snow possible from Alberta to Colorado. The storm track will then retreat further north into Alaska and Northern BC later Wednesday and into Thursday with heavy snow expected along with lower mountain rain for some areas.

A weaker storm will move across the Upper Midwest and Northeast U.S. on Wednesday and Thursday with heavier snow possible across Southeast Canada. A stronger storm is then projected to reach the Upper Midwest later on Thursday.

Forecast for Fri 2/11 – Sat 2/12:

A moderate or even strong storm is possible across the Midwest and East during this period though confidence is low on the storm track and timing. Out West, another weak storm with light snow is possible east of the Continental Divide. Alaska will continue to see a more active storm track with periods of heavy snow.

Outlook for Sun 2/13 – Thu 2/17:

The pattern will continue to be most favorable across the East during this period with below-average temperatures and additional opportunities for snow. Out West, a storm will likely impact the Pacific Northwest around the 14th with snow possible for the Rockies thereafter, though confidence is low on where the storm will track moving inland. Alaska and Northern BC will likely see heavy snow during this period as well.

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Wednesday (2/9).

ALAN SMITH