Weekly Highlights December 29th to January 3rd

This week’s weather pattern features a broad mix of winter and active conditions across much of the US. A series of lake-effect and clipper systems will bring periodic snow to the Great Lakes and the Northeast throughout the week. These fast-moving systems are expected to produce light to locally moderate snowfall, particularly downwind of the lakes, contributing to changing travel conditions at times. Accumulations look to be around 1-4’’ with areas closer to the lakes seeing over 8’’ for the week.

Colder air is also returning to a large portion of the country. The chill will be most noticeable across the Plains and the Great Lakes, but it will extend southward into the Mississippi Valley and parts of the Southeast as the week progresses. In addition to the colder temperatures, gusty conditions are expected throughout the week in the Great Lakes and Northeast, which may lead to reduced visibility in snow-prone areas and an increased wind chill.

Farther west, a more active pattern develops along the Pacific Coast. Showers and thunderstorms return to California this week, bringing renewed concerns for localized flooding in areas that have already seen significant rainfall. On Saturday, showers and thunderstorms will impact the Southeast. At higher elevations, snow will increase in the Sierra Nevada’s, adding to seasonal totals and potentially impacting mountain travel. The wintry theme continues across the West as well, with snow expected in the Rockies this week, with accumulations over 4”.

By Matt K.

Meteorologist In-Training