After an unusual snowfall over the weekend in regions of Florida, Alabama, and Georgia, the FOX Prediction Center is keeping an eye on a stronger winter storm that may bring snow and ice to areas from Texas to the Southeast Coast later this week.
While the exact effects remain somewhat uncertain, there is increasing confidence that a system forming from the southwest will utilize the cold air expected to envelop much of the country.
In southeastern Georgia, some areas received up to 3 inches of snow, while Marianna in the Florida Panhandle reported 1.3 inches. Pensacola, Florida, saw a light dusting of 0.2 inches.
This marks the first instance of consecutive winter seasons with snow in parts of the Panhandle.
A freeze warning is currently in effect for most of Northeast and North Central Florida through Monday.
This week, as the jet stream continues to dip, multiple waves of arctic air will sweep across most of the Lower 48 states.
This influx of cold air is expected to set the groundwork for a winter storm impacting a large portion of the Southern Plains and Deep South later in the week.
The approaching system, which may bring wintry weather, is predicted to emerge from the Southwest on Friday or into the weekend.
The storm’s southern trajectory is likely to draw moisture from the Gulf Coast, creating conditions for snow and ice.
However, the specific effects will hinge on the storm’s path and the cold air present, with more details anticipated later this week.
The FOX Forecast Center mentioned several potential scenarios.
“Snow is likely to develop north of the storm’s track, while rain is expected to the south, with a possible area of ice in between,” the center stated on Monday.
“Although it’s still early to determine the ice threat’s severity, this pattern warrants close attention, as it typically leads to serious icing due to the interplay of deep moisture and cold air.”
The FOX Prediction Center has pointed out the potential for a widespread ice threat affecting Texas, the Mississippi River Basin, the Tennessee Valley, the Southeast Coast, along with some areas in the Mid-Atlantic and Washington, D.C.
