This could be a December we will remember

Summary

Meteorologist Travis Roberts discusses the approaching Arctic plunge as meteorological winter kicks off in December. Cold air will build across the Northern Plains and expand southward, with temperatures 10-25 degrees below average from the Midwest to the Gulf Coast. Significant snow is expected in the Northeast, with lake-effect snow potentially accumulating in feet. Roberts highlights upcoming systems, including a potential snowstorm affecting the Great Lakes and Northeast, while colder temperatures sweep through the country, with models predicting temperatures near zero by mid-December. This is set to be the first real cold blast of the season.

Takeaways

• 😀 Arctic cold front is expected to bring temperatures 20-25°F below average to the Northern Plains and Northeast, starting the first week of December.
• ❄️ Heavy snow, potentially measured in feet, is forecast for areas downwind of the Great Lakes due to lake-effect snow.
• 🌬️ Cold air will expand southward, impacting the Ohio Valley and Gulf Coast with temperatures 10-15°F below average through the week.
• 🌨️ Significant snowfall is possible in the Northeast, particularly in New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire, especially in higher elevations.
• 🌀 Models are indicating the potential for below-zero temperatures around December 8th-9th, signaling an early and persistent winter chill.
• 🦠 Thanksgiving week will see wet weather along the Eastern Seaboard with rain along the I-95 corridor and snow in higher elevations.
• ☃️ A strong cold push will begin by Wednesday, pushing temperatures well below freezing in the Northern Tier, and even affecting the Gulf Coast.
• 🌧️ Some rain is expected to fall in parts of the Southeast and Midwest, but lake-effect snow could extend as far south as parts of North Carolina and West Virginia.
• 🏔️ A heavy snowstorm system is expected to hit the Rockies, with up to 2-3 feet of snow in mountainous areas, particularly in Utah and Colorado.
• 🌬️ As the cold front moves southward, temperatures could fall to the teens and single digits in the northern U.S., continuing into the weekend.
• 🚗 The cold temperatures and snow could impact Thanksgiving travel, especially for regions around the Northeast and the Great Lakes, with icy conditions expected on the roads.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Arctic Plunge mentioned in the forecast?

The Arctic Plunge refers to a significant cold air mass moving south from the Northern Plains into the U.S., causing temperatures to drop well below average. This will affect much of the Midwest, East Coast, and Southeast, making it feel like winter has officially begun.

When does meteorological winter begin, and why does it matter for this forecast?

Meteorological winter begins on December 1st. This forecast highlights how the cold temperatures arriving in early December align with the start of meteorological winter, indicating a significant shift in weather patterns.

What regions are expected to experience temperatures 20-25°F below average?

Regions including parts of Montana, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa are expected to experience temperatures 20-25°F below average as the cold air moves southward from the Northwest.

How far south will the cold air from the Arctic Plunge extend?

The cold air will extend south to the Ohio Valley, Gulf Coast, and Southeast, with temperatures expected to be 10-15°F below average in these areas by mid-week.

What is lake effect snow, and why is it important in this forecast?

Lake effect snow occurs when cold air moves over relatively warmer water bodies like the Great Lakes, causing intense snowstorms. In this forecast, lake effect snow will significantly impact areas downwind of the Great Lakes, including parts of New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.

How much snow is expected from lake effect snow across the Great Lakes?

Lake effect snow could bring up to a foot or more of snow in some areas, particularly in parts of upstate New York, the Adirondacks, and areas around Buffalo and Cleveland. Snow totals could exceed several feet in higher elevations.

What is the expected impact of the snowstorm on Thanksgiving travel?

The snowstorm, which is expected to bring rain and snow to the Northeast and Great Lakes, will likely cause travel disruptions, especially along the I-95 corridor and higher elevations of the Appalachians. Expect wet conditions on Wednesday and Thanksgiving Day, particularly in cities like New York, Boston, and D.C.

What role do the Rockies play in the snow forecast for early December?

The Rockies, particularly Utah and Colorado, are expected to see significant snowfall from early December storms, with totals potentially exceeding 2-3 feet in the highest elevations. This is a positive development for ski resorts in the region.

What is the expected weather for Black Friday and the weekend following Thanksgiving?

Black Friday will likely see nice weather in the central U.S. due to high pressure, making it ideal for travel. However, lake effect snow will continue to impact the Great Lakes, and cold air will spread southward heading into the weekend, with temperatures dropping into the teens and single digits in the Northern U.S.

Are there any uncertainties in the forecast, particularly regarding snow totals?

Yes, there are uncertainties, particularly in regions like the Midwest and Southern U.S. Models show variability in snow totals, especially in areas like Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, where snow may be lighter. The Northeast, however, is showing more consistent predictions for significant snow accumulation.