Some of you may be getting back into the swing of things coming off the holiday, others may be aiming to enjoy some winter sports, and some may just be taking it easy. Matt has us covered, no matter our plans, in our early morning Noyes’ Notes/1°Outside Today video, covering the next 24 hours! Be sure to check back later today for Insights, looking at the next several days and the deep-dive into the meteorology behind the forecast.
A series of impactful weather events will dominate the national landscape today as active storm systems persist across the Northwest and Gulf Coast regions, while most of the country enjoys relatively mild conditions.
A potent atmospheric river will continue to bring heavy rain to coastal areas of Washington and Oregon and accumulating snow to the higher elevations of the Cascades and northern Rockies. Precipitation amounts may exceed several inches in favored upslope regions, leading to flooding concerns in low-lying areas and difficult travel in mountain passes. Winds will be gusty, compounding travel hazards.
Severe weather is expected across the ArkLaTex region, with conditions conducive to large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes in eastern Texas, southern Arkansas, and northern Louisiana. A robust frontal boundary will provide the focus for thunderstorms as Gulf moisture surges northward. Rainfall may also lead to isolated flash flooding.
Elsewhere, dry conditions dominate, especially across the Midwest, Northeast, and Plains. Temperatures remain above average for much of the country, with the largest anomalies, 10-15°F above normal, centered over the Plains. Highs will range from the 30s in the Upper Midwest to the 70s in the Southern Plains and Southeast.
High pressure dominates the Northeast today, bringing another cold but tranquil day. Morning lows will range from the single digits and teens in northern New England to the 20s in coastal areas. Clear skies and calm conditions will foster ample sunshine, though some patchy freezing fog may linger in valley locations early this morning.
By afternoon, temperatures will remain chilly, with highs only reaching the mid-20s in interior valleys and the low to mid-30s near the coast. Winds will stay light, allowing for a relatively pleasant day despite the cold.
Looking ahead to tonight, temperatures will again plummet under clear skies and a deepening inversion, with lows dropping into the teens and single digits across the region. Some patchy fog or low stratus may redevelop in valleys, leading to localized travel impacts.
The calm weather won’t last forever—attention shifts to the weekend when a significant warm front approaches, potentially bringing freezing rain to the interior by Saturday.
