Winter storm train rumbles across Lower 48 through next week

As another week that felt like a year comes to an end, a mix of wintry storms and unusual heat is blanketing the United States. While the heat is set to wane and get squashed further south, there’s no end in sight to the storm threats for now.

Weather Watch

Storm train. An active pattern is set to persist for the Lower 48. The next wintry storm is shifting east of the Rockies Friday as snow breaks out in the northern Plains. The Great Lakes and New England are in for more snow as weekend wintry mix also extends south into the Mid-Atlantic. An early-next-week storm should bring a swath of snow further south, from the central U.S. to the East Coast.

Record warmth. Temperatures soared to springlike values in the southern tier Thursday as another day of widespread record highs unfolded. It was as hot as 97 in Rio Grande, in the southern portion of Texas. Other places that set records for the date include Houston with 83, Pensacola with 78, and Alamosa, Colo., at 61.

Lightning links

Parts of Australia reeling from flooding as more heavy rain forecast.

January 2025 was the warmest on record, despite emerging La Niña.

Cypress tree with rare snow combines with brilliant sunset.

Fantasy snow map Friday

February is the snowiest month of the year in a big chunk of the country as the earliest hints of springtime moisture meet up with mature winter chill. The forecast ahead is particularly snowy, if models are to be believed.

While 10-day snowfall maps typically require many caveats, the National Blend of Models above is quite bullish for an input that includes a whole range of numerical guidance.

Keep the shovels handy.

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Weekday morning newsletter by a journalist/forecaster that connects weather and climate change dots while occasionally stirring the pot.

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