Good Monday morning! Many of us in New England woke up to 3–6 inches of snow, with some areas seeing locally higher amounts. As the storm moves out, an Arctic blast takes hold, bringing dangerously low wind chills through midweek. Meteorologist Danielle Noyes breaks down the latest snow totals, today’s bitter cold, and what’s ahead for the week.
A Brutal Arctic Outbreak Grips Much of the U.S., With Significant Winter Weather in the South
A deep Arctic airmass continues to bring frigid conditions to much of the nation, with high temperatures 20 to 30 degrees below average from the Rockies to the East Coast. Dangerously cold wind chills ranging from -30°F to -55°F persist across parts of the Northern Plains, Upper Midwest, and Rockies, with subzero wind chills extending as far south as the southern Plains and Ohio Valley. Freeze Warnings have been issued for portions of the Gulf Coast and northern Florida, where temperatures pose risks to vegetation and infrastructure unaccustomed to these conditions.
In the South, a rare and impactful winter storm is developing, with heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain expected to spread from eastern Texas to the Southeast. Significant snowfall accumulations are likely north of Interstate 10, with ice accumulations threatening travel and infrastructure across the Gulf Coast. Snowfall rates of up to 1 inch per hour are possible in parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
Persistent lake-effect snow continues downwind of the Great Lakes, where enhanced instability under extremely cold air aloft supports narrow but intense snow bands. Areas like the Tug Hill Plateau and western Michigan could see storm totals exceeding two feet.
In Southern California, strong offshore winds and low humidity have prompted an Extremely Critical Fire Weather risk in the San Gabriel and Santa Monica Mountains, with gusts reaching 75 mph.
The Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies remain relatively dry and cold, with high pressure bringing a reprieve from precipitation. Meanwhile, warmer temperatures will return to parts of the western U.S. later this week as ridging develops.
Frigid Temperatures, Lingering Snow, and Dangerous Wind Chills Across the Region
An Arctic blast has enveloped the Northeast, with dangerously cold conditions persisting through midweek. Daytime highs today will only reach the teens across most areas, with single-digit highs in the Adirondacks and northern New England. Wind chills will remain near or below zero throughout the day, with mountain areas experiencing wind chills as low as -35°F. Cold Weather Advisories are in effect for portions of the Adirondacks, Green Mountains, and White Mountains.
Light snow showers and flurries associated with northwest winds will gradually taper off across the Berkshires, southern Green Mountains, and the Mohawk-Hudson Valley by late morning. However, significant lake-effect snow bands off Lake Ontario will continue to impact the Tug Hill Plateau and parts of the western Adirondacks, with localized totals of 6-12 inches likely.
Tonight, clear skies and diminishing winds will allow for strong radiational cooling, with overnight lows dropping below zero across the entire region. The coldest locations in the northern Adirondacks and Northeast Kingdom of Vermont could see lows of -20°F or colder.
Tuesday will bring a continuation of bitter cold conditions, with highs only in the single digits to lower teens and wind chills remaining below zero. Further lake-effect snow showers will affect parts of northern New York, while the rest of the region remains dry under Arctic high pressure. Travel disruptions from lingering snow and ice-covered roads are possible, especially in areas affected by lake-effect snow.
Residents are urged to dress in layers, limit time outdoors, and prepare for potential impacts to heating systems and water pipes as the Arctic outbreak holds firm through the middle of the week.
