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Temperature Outlook and Big Picture Weather Pattern:

A ridge of high pressure is building over Western North America and temperatures will be well above average over the next 5 days. Most areas will see a drying trend, but weak storms will bring periods of snow and rain to the Northwest. Snow levels will be high in this pattern, with some ski areas dealing with rain.

The East will see much colder air arrive, along with a few shots of light to moderate snow.

Forecast for Wed (Dec 18) to Thu (Dec 19):

Snow and rain will fall across the Northwest and Western Canada with higher elevation and interior regions of Canada seeing the best conditions.

In the East, a storm will bring rain to the Southern Mid-Atlantic on Wednesday while the Northern Mid-Atlantic and New England will see light to moderate snow in the colder sector. A storm will also reach the Upper Midwest on Thursday with light to moderate snow expected.

Forecast for Fri (Dec 20) to Sat (Dec 21):

Additional weak storms will bring light snow and rain showers to the Northwest. A weakening storm will also reach the East with light snow showers for the Eastern Great Lakes, Appalachians, and New England.

Forecast for Sun (Dec 22) to Mon (Dec 23):

A stronger storm with cooler air will reach the Northwest with heavy snow possible over the BC Coast Range and Washington Cascades along with light snow for the Northern Rockies. Heavy snow is also expected to the north in Alaska.

The East will see a break in the pattern while a weak storm could bring some snow to the Northern Great Lakes.

Outlook for Tue (Dec 24) to Sat (Dec 28):

A more active pattern is expected across the West next week as high pressure weakens, opening up the door to stronger and more frequent storms favoring the Northwest and Northern Rockies. Tahoe, Utah, and Colorado will be on the southern fringe of the favored storm track and could pick up some snow at times.

Temperatures will remain warmer than average in the West, but cooler compared to the prior week and snow levels will be lower as a result.

The East will see warmer air arrive and the pattern is looking less favorable for natural snow. In fact, there is a pronounced warmer-than-average signal for essentially all of North America during this period. 

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Friday (December 20).

Alan Smith

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