National Meteorological Summary:
The nation experiences a dynamic weather pattern characterized by ongoing heavy precipitation in the Pacific Northwest, a transitioning storm system in the Northeast, and warming temperatures across the Central U.S.
- Pacific Northwest: An atmospheric river delivers heavy rain, mountain snow, and strong winds to northern California, Oregon, and Washington today. Coastal areas of northwest California and the northern Sierra Nevada remain under a Moderate Risk for flash flooding, with rainfall totals of 3-10 inches and mountain snow accumulations exceeding 2 feet in higher elevations. The region will see conditions easing into the weekend as the system moves inland.
- Central Appalachians to the Northeast: A potent low-pressure system lingers over the Northeast, with rain and snow showers persisting today, particularly in the higher elevations. Snowfall in the Central Appalachians is significant, with totals reaching 6-12 inches and localized higher amounts. The storm will gradually weaken as it shifts eastward into the Canadian Maritimes by Sunday.
- Central U.S.: A ridge of high pressure shifts eastward, spreading above-average temperatures across the Plains and Midwest. Highs in the 60s and 70s are expected this weekend, providing a stark contrast to colder conditions in the northern Rockies and High Plains under the influence of Arctic air.
- Thanksgiving Week Outlook: A new storm system is likely to bring messy travel conditions midweek, with snow possible in the Upper Midwest and interior Northeast, and rain spreading from the Ohio Valley to the Appalachians and Eastern Seaboard.
Northeast Weather Story:
A dynamic storm system dominates the weather across New England and Upstate New York, bringing a mix of rain, snow, gusty winds, and rapidly changing conditions over the next 48 hours.
- Current Setup: A retrograding low-pressure system now over New York State is ushering rain and higher elevation snow across the region. Snowfall is most concentrated in the Adirondacks, Catskills, Green Mountains, and Berkshires, where accumulations of 6-12 inches are expected above 1,500 feet, with locally higher amounts. Valleys, including the Hudson River Valley, mainly see rain with totals up to 0.75 inches through tonight.
- Friday Afternoon and Evening: Precipitation tapers to lighter showers in the valleys, but upslope-enhanced snow persists in Vermont and the Berkshires. Temperatures remain chilly, with highs ranging from the mid-30s in the mountains to near 50°F along the coast. Strong southerly winds, gusting to 25-35 mph, shift northwest overnight, signaling the system’s eastward exit.
- Saturday into Sunday: A secondary coastal low forms off New England, delivering additional rain and snow to eastern and northern sections. Interior regions, including the White Mountains and the Maine Highlands, see upslope snow showers persisting into Sunday, adding several inches of accumulation in favored areas. Windy conditions dominate, with northwest gusts up to 40 mph, posing hazards for travel, marine interests, and outdoor plans. Highs stay in the upper 30s to low 40s, with lows dipping into the 20s inland.
- Weekend Impacts:
- Travel: Snow-covered roads in higher elevations may create hazardous driving conditions through Saturday. Blowing snow could reduce visibility.
- Aviation: IFR and occasional LIFR conditions persist at regional airports, improving late Sunday.
- Marine: Gale-force winds are expected along the coast, with seas building to 10-12 feet, creating hazardous conditions for mariners.
- Outlook for Early Thanksgiving Week: After a dry and seasonable Monday, the next system brings rain to coastal areas and potential snow or a wintry mix inland late Monday into Tuesday. Stay updated as this system may impact pre-Thanksgiving travel.