We focus on the next 24 hours in our 1°Outside Today video, though Noyes’ Notes, as you know, covers the big ideas in the forecast at large. This morning, Matt Noyes is tracking snow showers that are dropping in from the north and explains why this setup is somewhat rare – and just how cold the continuing wind will make it feel today. Full details in the video, and our daily National Weather Summary and Northeast Weather Story are written below!
National Weather Summary for Thursday, January 9, 2025:
A series of impactful weather systems will shape conditions across the country today, ranging from winter storms to gusty winds and fire weather risks:
- Winter Storm Activity: A major winter storm intensifies over the Southern Plains, bringing heavy snow, significant ice accumulations, and dangerous travel conditions. Snowfall amounts of 6–8 inches are forecast from southeast Oklahoma through the Tennessee Valley, while freezing rain accumulations up to a quarter inch are likely from Texas into northern Louisiana and Mississippi. By Friday, the system will shift toward the Southeast and southern Mid-Atlantic regions, maintaining hazardous conditions.
- Lake-Effect and Upslope Snow: Persistent northwest flow will fuel lake-effect snow downwind of the Lower Great Lakes, as well as upslope snow showers in parts of the Northeast. These showers will gradually diminish throughout the day.
- Fire Weather in Southern California: Strong Santa Ana winds, with gusts between 20–40 mph and very low humidity levels, continue to elevate fire weather risks across Southern California.
- Pacific Northwest Rain and Snow: A new storm system approaches, bringing coastal rain and mountain snow later in the day. Snow levels are forecast to drop as the system progresses inland.
- Temperatures: Arctic air will remain entrenched across much of the country, with below-average highs across the northern tier and Upper Midwest. In contrast, the Southeast will experience milder conditions, while California and the Southwest see near-average temperatures.
Northeast Weather Story for Thursday, January 9, 2025:
Blustery northwest winds will dominate the Northeast today, bringing cold air and scattered snow showers to many areas. Key details include:
- Snow Showers and Blowing Snow:
- Light snow showers persist through the day, especially downwind of the Great Lakes and in upslope-prone areas such as the Adirondacks, Green Mountains, and White Mountains.
- For most of New England, accumulations will be limited to a dusting or coating…perhaps half an inch in a few spots around Route 495 in Eastern MA.
- In the North Country of New England and downwind of the Great Lakes, snow accumulations will be modest, generally 1–3 inches, but locally higher amounts are possible in northern Vermont and the western slopes of the Adirondacks.
- Gusty winds of 35–50 mph may create areas of blowing and drifting snow, particularly in open or higher-elevation locations.
- Wind-Driven Chill:
- Highs will struggle to rise above the teens to mid-20s in much of New England and upstate New York, with wind chills making it feel 10–20 degrees colder.
- Improving Conditions Friday:
- Winds will gradually ease late tonight into Friday as high pressure builds into the region. Skies will clear, allowing for calmer and slightly milder conditions on Friday, with highs climbing into the 20s and lower 30s.
