Brutally cold temperatures over the next few days

An impressive arctic blast will take hold over Southern Canada and much of the Lower 48 from Wednesday through Sunday. The arctic air will be severe but short-lived out West while the Central and Eastern U.S. will see the cold persist for several days. Check out the departure-from-average temperatures projected for the next 5 days (Wednesday to Sunday) across North America:

Most areas of the West will see their coldest temperatures on Thursday morning with the entire states of Montana and Wyoming (and the entire province of Alberta) expected to be below zero. Some areas will see temps in the -20s and -30s. Widespread subzero temps are also expected in Colorado, Idaho, and Washington.

The arctic front will move across the East on Friday, and by Saturday morning we will see subzero temps in the Appalachians from Pennsylvania to North Carolina, while the Upper Midwest will be well below zero.

If you plan on hitting the slopes over the next few days, be sure to check your local mountain's temperature and wind forecast on OpenSnow and plan accordingly, as frostbite will be a concern for many areas.

Forecast for Wed, Dec 21 to Thu, Dec 22:

A storm will impact the Rockies on Wednesday and Thursday with moderate to heavy snow expected ahead of the approaching arctic front. A strong storm will also begin to impact the Upper Midwest on Wednesday and Thursday with heavy snow developing across the Western Great Lakes region.

Across the East, a wintry mix of snow, ice, and rain will develop across the Mid-Atlantic from North Carolina to New York on Thursday before eventually changing to all-rain as warmer air arrives ahead of Friday's cold front.

Forecast for Fri, Dec 23 to Sat, Dec 24:

A significant storm will result in heavy snow across the Great Lakes region on Friday and Saturday, especially in Michigan and Ontario. The arctic cold front will move across the East on Friday. Ahead of the front, snow will develop across New England before changing to heavy rain. Then a change-over to snow showers will occur behind the front throughout the Appalachians on Friday-Friday night.

A messy situation will also develop out West as a much milder/wetter Pacific flow encounters and eventually overrides the arctic airmass in place. This will result in heavy snow initially across the Pacific Northwest before changing over to a mix of freezing rain and rain from late Friday into Saturday.

The Interior and Northern portions of British Columbia will stay all-snow, while the Central U.S. Rockies could also pick up some light snow on the southern fringe of the storm track.

Forecast for Sun, Dec 25 to Mon, Dec 26:

Another storm involving warm air will impact the Northwest during this time with high snow levels, resulting in rain for ski resorts across the Pacific Northwest, while the Interior and northern portions of British Columbia will receive moderate to heavy snow. The Central U.S. Rockies could see some light snow on the southern fringe of the storm track once again.

Across the East, most areas will see cold and dry conditions, but the notable exception will be areas just downwind of the Great Lakes where a significant lake effect snow event is expected.  

Outlook for Tue, Dec 27 to Sat, Dec 31:

The most notable trend as we close out 2022 will be much warmer temperatures across North America. In fact, nearly all areas will see a transition to above-average warmth during this period.

An active storm track is also expected to set up across the West with multiple storms expected to favor both the Northwest as well as the Sierra and the Rockies. We will still have to keep an eye on snow levels across the maritime ranges given the warmer airmass in place. 

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Friday (Dec 23).

ALAN SMITH