A massive weather system that recently brought much-needed rain to California is now making its way across the country, bringing a mix of rain, snow, and ice to a vast 2,600-mile stretch from the Southwest to the Northeast. Meteorologists say this storm will continue to impact different regions through the weekend.
Snow and Storms: What to Expect
On Wednesday, the biggest concerns were snow squalls in the Northeast and severe weather in the Great Plains. These quick but intense bursts of snow, combined with gusty winds, could create dangerous driving conditions. The National Weather Service warned that visibility might drop suddenly, making roads slippery and travel risky.
Meanwhile, parts of the Great Lakes and Northeast were also expected to see fresh snowfall. After a steady snowfall overnight, areas around New York state and New England were forecast to receive another 1 to 3 inches of snow. The heaviest accumulation was expected near Lakes Ontario and Erie, as well as in the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont.
In the southern Great Plains, severe thunderstorms were a concern. From Wednesday to Thursday, storms could bring large hail and strong winds to central and southeastern Texas.
Heavy Rain and Flooding Risks
As the storm moves eastward, heavy rain is expected to drench parts of the South Central U.S. and the Mississippi Valley. Central Texas to western Kentucky could see up to 6 inches of rain, leading to possible flooding and travel disruptions.
By the end of the week, major cities like New York City could experience heavy rain, icy conditions, or even snow. Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., are also in for a soaking, with several hours of intense rain that could slow down commuters and cause travel delays.
Florida’s Wild Weather Swing
Florida, which was hit by an unusual and record-breaking snowstorm just last week, is now returning to its normal warm temperatures. Pensacola, for example, was buried under 5 inches of snow—the most ever recorded in the state—but temperatures there are now climbing back to the high 60s. By Friday, it’s expected to reach 70 degrees.
Tallahassee and Jacksonville will enjoy temperatures in the 70s this week, while South Florida will see highs in the upper 70s and low 80s. It’s a big change from last week when much of the state was dealing with freezing temperatures and historic snowfall.
A Surprisingly Cold January for the Northeast
So far, January has been much colder than usual for cities along the I-95 corridor. Washington, D.C., has been nearly 6 degrees colder than its average for this time of year, while Philadelphia has been 5 degrees below normal, and New York City has been about 4 degrees colder than usual.
Despite the chill, snowfall in the Northeast has been surprisingly low this season. Philadelphia, for example, has only received 4.9 inches of snow since October—just half of what it usually gets by now.
Will California’s Rain Keep Wildfires Away?
California finally got some relief from dry conditions when the storm system dropped an inch of rain in Southern California and several inches of snow in the mountains. But will this be enough to keep wildfires away?
Meteorologists say it might hold off fires for about a week, but the region will dry out quickly again. The rain was helpful in slowing down recent wildfires, but it wasn’t enough to fully soak the drought-stricken land.
A Warmup on the Way
The good news? A warmup is coming for much of the Central, Eastern, and Southeastern U.S. after weeks of bitter cold. Temperatures in these areas are expected to be at or even above normal through Thursday, with some places in the north-central U.S. possibly breaking records.
Weather experts say parts of the country could see temperatures soaring 15 to 25 degrees above normal, which should bring a welcome break from the freezing conditions many people have endured.
While winter is far from over, this shift in temperatures will at least give some areas a breather from the relentless cold, ice, and snow. But as always, it’s best to stay updated on forecasts and be prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store.
