A strong polar vortex across the central and eastern US will continue to bring mostly dry conditions to the northwest as high pressure remains over the region. The next chance for any precipitation will be later next week as a weak storm moves through the northwest while the ridge is rebuilding. The long-range models show some signs of a more favorable pattern to close out the month.

The next storm is on our doorstep with cold air and decent snowfall totals for the Front Range. Utah is a wildcard in the Cottonwoods for lake enhancement in the Cottonwoods. The long-range has higher confidence of double digits for the PNW and Northern Rockies, with the Sierra on watch (January 27-20)

The big story this weekend will be arctic air overspreading much of the Lower 48. The large-scale pattern will continue to favor drier conditions across the West with only some light snow for the Rockies, while the East will be more active. Two storms will move across the East over the next 3 days, while the South could see snow next week. The Great Lakes will also see consistent snow showers.

Thanks for reading this summer! For the rest of this week, a cold front moving across the Central Rockies will bring showers & t-storms to WY, CO, & NM Wed-Thu while the West Coast states will see a late-season heat wave. Next week, isolated to scattered showers & t-storms develop across the West with continued mild temps. Heading into mid-month, the PNW will trend wetter and cooler.