Winter weather is set to return after a brief spell of warming, beginning Thursday. A series of storms is on track to unleash significant snowfall across large areas of the northern United States.
Forecasts indicate that parts of Wisconsin and Michigan could receive over two feet of snow by Monday, while other areas in the upper Midwest, Northern Plains, and New England may see upwards of a foot.
First storm: Thursday through Friday
The first storm is expected to roll in Thursday, as part of the atmospheric river currently affecting the Pacific Northwest.
Low pressure is anticipated to form quickly over Montana and the Dakotas, then move eastward, as noted by the FOX Prediction Center.
This low-pressure system will deepen rapidly, creating significant wind swells across the Plains and Rocky Mountains.
High wind warnings are in place throughout the area, with gusts potentially reaching 125 mph. These winds could result in power outages and challenging driving conditions.
Snowfall in the Dakotas is projected to begin early Thursday, with the system gaining strength as a warm front moves up.
Moisture from the storm is likely to clash with colder air coming from the north, leading to heavy snow in northern Minnesota and Michigan.
The FOX Prediction Center estimates 5 to 8 inches of snow for areas north of I-94, and the clipper winds could create blizzard conditions as they reach the Great Lakes.
A blizzard warning has already been issued for the Lake Superior shoreline in Minnesota.
Travel could become dangerous from Thursday night into Friday morning due to the snow and wind.
As the low-pressure system progresses eastward into the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall will also be a possibility throughout the upper Midwest and northern Great Lakes.
Clippers will eventually push into New England, bringing light snow to ski regions. While snow totals might not be significant, melting from warmer days could lead to icy conditions.
Second storm: Saturday to Monday
Once the first storm subsides, forecasters are predicting a second storm will impact millions from Saturday through early Monday.
By Friday afternoon, heavy rain and mountain snow will exit the Pacific Northwest as a dip in the jet stream moves across the northern Rockies.
This dip in the jet stream is expected to stabilize by Saturday, leading to the development of low pressure over the Midwest.
A high-pressure system in Canada will push cold air behind the low, creating a steep temperature contrast.
As the low moves east toward the Great Lakes, heavy snow may affect areas across the upper Midwest and northern Great Lakes.
Blizzard conditions, characterized by moderate to heavy snow, could reduce visibility in places like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and northern Michigan.
This includes cities such as Minneapolis, Marquette in Michigan, and Green Bay in Wisconsin.
Possible snowfall is also predicted for New York and northern New England late Sunday and into early Monday.
Following the second storm, a surge of arctic air is expected to sweep through the upper Midwest and the Tennessee Valley, marking a drastic shift from the record warmth seen along much of the East Coast this week.
