Image: ECMWF/Tropical Tidbits
December 17, 2020
πŸ₯Ά The first significant Arctic Blast of the season is coming next week... Just in time for the Christmas holiday...
Most of the central and eastern United States has been void of any meaningful Arctic air so far this season. That is about to change by the middle and end of next week. While glancing blows of bitter air have draped the northern Lakes and upper New England, most systems have featured polar air and marginal cold. Most areas will moderate, again, this weekend into the middle of next week, before the big change arrives.

A fairly benign weather feature will zip through the middle and eastern areas of the United States this weekend. In its wake, return flow and moderation will occur. A quick surge in temperatures are likely, as a potent low develops in the Leeside/Four Corners region by the middle of the week. Affectionatley known as a "Panhandle Hooker", that storm will rapidly intensify and race for the western Lakes. Out in front, warmth, rain, and severe weather can be expected; However, behind the storm, a blast of Arctic air will commence.

Image: Canadian/Pivotal Weather
December 17, 2020
The biggest question for next week is as follows: "Will I have a White Christmas?". For the mountains, Upper Plains, northern Lakes, Upper Midwest, and northern New England, yes. That is pretty common. For the central Plains, southern Lakes, lower Midwest, the Ohio Valley, and parts of the lower Mid-Atlantic, to perhaps northern Tennessee Valley, a lot will depend on the storm that emerges on Christmas Eve and Day. It is way too early for specifics, but with cold air pouring in, and the potential of a secondary wave forming, the chance is there. Stay tuned because this will likely become a "high impact" storm.

πŸ₯Ά Forecast provided by: Joshua Ketchen

  • 🌑 Winter Snowfall Forecast
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    🌑 The 2020/21 SWC Winter Snowfall Forecast illuminates a wintry picture over a large portion of America. A La Nina favored large-scale pattern with upper-level ridging in the west and troughing in the east was considered in developing this forecast. Other influences, from the Arctic to the North Atlantic, could play a major role on how storm systems progress across the country.
  • β˜ƒοΈ The SWC Winter Forecast has been released for the 2021-22 Season. Our forecasters break down the details of how the upcoming Winter will play out across the United States.
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  • 🧊 As Winter Weather impacts become more frequent across America, it's important to brush up on the basics. Let's review how you can prepare yourself and your family for the worst of Old Man Winter!
    πŸ“¦ Pack an Emergency Supply Kit.
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  • πŸ”₯ As La Nina continues to control the overall pattern across the Western U.S., dry conditions are prevailing across Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. These conditions are forecasted to continue through Winter 2020/21.