Significant Cool-Down Coming to the West:

A big change is coming to the West early next week with the coldest temperatures since March or April for most areas.

First, let's take a look at departure from average temperatures (in ºC) on Saturday. Above-average temperatures will prevail across the West, with below-average temperatures for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

Early next week, high pressure will break down across the West and shift eastward, opening up the door for much colder air to spill into the West from the north.

Check out the departure from average temperatures for Tuesday. Temperatures will be below-average across the West, while the East will see a significant warm-up. 

5-Day Snow Forecast:

A storm will impact the Northwest this weekend before diving south toward the Four Corners region early next week. The areas favored for the heaviest snowfall through Tuesday include British Columbia, Washington, Southwest Colorado, and Central Wyoming.

Forecast for Fri (Oct 25) to Sat (Oct 26):

The Northwest will be in the warm sector of the storm with most ski areas in the Northwest U.S. and BC seeing rain through Saturday. The exception will be Whistler and western/central portions of BC, where snow levels will lower to around mid-mountain on Saturday. 

A cold front will also move across New England with light snow showers developing across the higher terrain on Saturday. Moisture will be limited, so this doesn't look like a significant event.

Forecast for Sun (Oct 27) to Mon (Oct 28):

Colder air will arrive with rain changing to snow across Western Canada and the Northwest U.S. The heaviest snowfall is expected in BC and Washington. The storm will also deepen southward toward the Four Corners with heavy snow developing across Southwest Colorado, while Utah, Western Wyoming, and Idaho will see more of a glancing blow.

Across the East, light snow showers will continue across New England on Sunday before drying out on Monday.

Forecast for Tue (Oct 29) to Wed (Oct 30):

The storm will linger over the Rockies with moderate to heavy snow falling across Western Colorado and Central Wyoming. Another storm will also arrive from the northwest with snow developing across BC, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. 

Outlook for Thu (Oct 31) to Mon (Nov 4):

An active pattern will linger over the West with the storm track favoring the Northwest and the Rockies. High pressure and warmer temperatures will inch eastward toward the West Coast later in this period, with below-average temperatures holding over the Rockies. Temperatures will remain above average across the East.

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Monday (October 28).

Alan Smith