A temporary relief is on the horizon for millions of Americans facing harsh subzero temperatures.
Though it won’t rank as the most significant warming event ever, it’s definitely a welcome break after a frigid start to December. Still, it’s wise not to celebrate just yet as another wave of arctic air is set to follow this week’s storms across the country.
Cold air has dominated December, with many regions experiencing temperatures well below average. The heart of this chill originates from the northern tier and spreads across the Great Lakes, but there’s a shift happening that will ease some of this cold.
The FOX Weather Center reports that a ridge coming in from the west is forming, and the dip in the eastern jet stream appears to be breaking up. While this ridge isn’t particularly robust, it may help push warmer air further north.
A noticeable temperature change is expected on Thursday, with readings in the Midwest and Ohio Valley anticipated to reach the mid-40s and mid-50s.
However, this warmth will be short-lived, as a cold front could sweep through afterward, dipping temperatures back down. Regions experiencing milder weather could find themselves back in the 20s by Friday.
That said, not everyone will revert to winter-like conditions. The Southeast is likely to remain relatively calm even after the cold front passes through.
The jet stream is positioned far enough north, which should prevent colder air from settling in that area.
In the West, warm temperatures will linger throughout the week, with some areas potentially hitting record highs above 90 degrees starting Tuesday and possibly continuing into next week. Cities like Los Angeles, Denver, Dallas, and Las Vegas could all see record-breaking temperatures this week.
The warm conditions will lead to the melting of snow from the recent winter storm. After several days of warmer weather and rain, much of the snow could vanish, except in places like Michigan, Minnesota, and parts of New England. Flooding isn’t anticipated, but melting snow might create slushy conditions on the ground.
The Climate Prediction Center forecasts above-average temperatures across much of the continental United States. Although there might be sporadic cold snaps, the likelihood of snow is diminishing as we approach Christmas week. For those wishing for a white Christmas this year, the odds seem even slimmer than before.
