The weather across the country is about to take a dramatic turn, with a major storm brewing that could bring heavy snow to parts of the Southwest and Plains, while severe thunderstorms could hammer the Southeast and Gulf Coast—areas already reeling from last week’s historic blizzard.
This powerful storm system has its roots in the same weather pattern currently delivering much-needed rain to Southern California, starting Sunday. While the rain there is welcome, it’s also bringing some risks, making it a situation to watch closely.
As the storm moves east, it’s expected to become what meteorologists call a “closed upper-level low-pressure system” as it slows down over the Southwest. What this essentially means is that it’ll lose the steering winds that usually help storms move along quickly, allowing it to linger over the Four Corners region—where Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado meet—and then into the Plains by midweek.
Even though the storm isn’t bringing a deep freeze, there’s just enough arctic air wrapping into it to set the stage for a snowstorm. Forecasters predict parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and the Plains could see several feet of fresh snow in the coming days. Imagine that—a true winter wonderland for some areas!
But while cold air brings snow to one side of the storm, warm air from the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico will bring a completely different scene to others. This warm, humid air will fuel heavy rain in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and the Gulf Coast—places that are still recovering from last week’s icy blast. And with that warm air comes the potential for severe weather, including strong thunderstorms, as we head into the middle of the workweek.
Right now, it’s still a bit early to say exactly how things will play out, but one thing’s for sure: this storm has the potential to make a big impact. Snow, rain, and severe storms could all hit different parts of the country, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the forecast as the week unfolds.
What’s even more interesting is that this storm might be the start of a bigger weather pattern shift. Forecasters believe this system could pave the way for more storms to follow a similar path as we move into February.
For now, the best thing to do is stay prepared. Keep an eye on updates, plan ahead if you’re in the path of this storm, and, as always, stay safe.
