Brittany Lockley

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It has been one year since the Palisades and Eaton fires burned through local communities in Los Angeles County on January 7, 2025. The lasting impacts are still being felt across the region, both on the ground and in the atmosphere. The fires took 31 lives and burned down 18,000 buildings and homes.&nbsp;The fires ignited during a period of extreme fire weather, fueled by prolonged drought, critically low humidity, and strong offshore winds. The Palisades&nbsp;fire initially started with an open flame in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. Firefighters were able to contain&nbsp;the flames above ground, but the fire continued to burn underground. At the time of ignition, relative humidity values dropped into the single digits, while wind gusts frequently exceeded 40 to 60 mph, creating ideal conditions for the rapid spread of the fire. The National Weather Service even issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation for these fires. These factors allowed flames to move miles in just hours, overwhelming containment efforts during the initial stages. The Palisades fire grew to 23,707 acres.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 041825-1767784832298.png">The Eaton Fire ignited in Altadena shortly after the Palisades Fire. In this fire, close to 10,000 homes were destroyed and 19 lives were lost, as the fire ravaged 14,021 acres by the time of its containment on January 31, 2024.&nbsp;<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-07 04-18-40-1767784809714.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Rainfall deficits leading up to the fires played a major role in their intensity. Many areas had received less than 50 percent of their average precipitation over the previous 6 to 12 months, resulting in exceptionally dry vegetation. Live fuel moisture levels were near record lows for late season, and energy release components, an index used to measure potential fire intensity, were well above climatological averages. &nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 040748-1767784265056.png">Once the fires were established, towering smoke plumes injected particulates high into the atmosphere, degrading air quality across hundreds of miles and prompting repeated air quality alerts as fine particulate concentrations surged well above health-based thresholds.&nbsp;<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2025-12_2025-01-09_g18_abi_meso_geocolor-fires-1767898580832.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>In the aftermath, the weather continued to complicate recovery. The first significant rain events following the fires produced short bursts of heavy rainfall, falling on soils unable to absorb water efficiently. Rainfall rates of just a half inch per hour were enough to trigger runoff, mudslides, and debris flows within burn scars. Damaging roads and infrastructure months after the flames were extinguished. Emergency managers were forced to pivot from wildfire response to managing the floods, highlighting the compound risks associated with extreme weather.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 091018-1767802242571.png">A year later, both fires are on California's most destructive fires list. Weather and climate data show early signs of ecological recovery, but also ongoing vulnerability. Native grasses and shrubs have begun to return, aided by winter&nbsp;rainfall.&nbsp;The Palisades and Eaton fires now serve as a stark example of how weather extremes, heat, wind, drought, and heavy rainfall are reshaping wildfire behavior. &nbsp;

Tracey Anthony

One Year Later: Palisades and Eaton Fires

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Rob grew up in South Florida, where daily afternoon storms and hurricanes piqued his interest in meteorology early on. That interest was fostered by his teachers and his father, who one time brought him onto the roof of their home to watch a funnel cloud move through the Everglades several miles away. Years of filmmaking and tv production in high school gradually pushed him toward broadcast meteorology at Florida State University, where he joined and eventually led the student run daily weather show. After graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Meteorology, he began his career at KESQ in Palm Springs, California before heading to KFSN in Fresno and WLOS in Asheville, North Carolina. He has covered a diverse array of extreme weather events, including haboobs and flash flooding in the desert, extreme snow in the Sierra, hurricanes, and Appalachian ice storms. He also enjoys telling stories and reporting about weather issues.

Connect with Rob on <a href="https://twitter.com/WxRobBradley">Twitter</a>

Rob Bradley

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Two sprawling storm systems are tracking from the Rockies to the Great Lakes, bringing prolonged periods of heavy rain, severe&nbsp;thunderstorms,&nbsp;and flooding concerns to much of the country. The multi-day weather pattern began in the Southwest and is gradually shifting east,&nbsp;impacting&nbsp;more than 30 states from the Plains to the East Coast.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-09 061355-1767964633704.png"><h1>Outlooks &amp; Timing</h1>The first storm system developed over the Four Corners region, spreading rain across parts of Arizona and New Mexico before intensifying as it moved into the Southern Plains. A few tornadoes did cause damage in Oklahoma early Thursday morning. We are awaiting more information on the strength of these tornadoes.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-09 062121-1767965062250.png">Friday into Saturday, a second storm system is expected to reinforce the unsettled pattern. Friday's outlook covers areas from east Texas through Kentucky, with a level 2 (slight) risk from Baton Rouge to Nashville, which means storms are expected to be slightly more widespread, stronger, and could last longer. All modes of severe weather (wind, hail, and tornadoes) will be possible. The tornado potential is at a level 2 from Louisiana through central Alabama.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot20260109060639png-1767964003041.png">Warm and moist air is expected to remain in place as the next trough begins to mature, with storms targeting the Mississippi Valley. Isolated severe storms are possible early, but by the early afternoon, daytime heating will help increase instability enough to lead to scattered severe storms developing. Those storms are expected to intensify through the late afternoon hours, with some persisting into the evening and overnight. Be sure to review your tornado safety plan and have multiple ways to get severe weather alerts that can wake you up.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-09 06-40-49-1767966081003.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Severe storms will still be possible through Saturday afternoon, which includes the continued threat for tornadoes. The tornado threat for Saturday stretches from Birmingham through Atlanta to Asheville.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-09 063626-1767965796452.png"><h1>Rain &amp; Flooding</h1>Rainfall rates will increase significantly on Friday across the south, with 1-2" per hour possible, possibly more. This means some areas could receive 4-6 inches in a short period of time, which could lead to flash flooding. A Flood Watch has been issued for parts of the South into Saturday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-09 064134-1767966305477.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/1-1767900428811.png">The WPC has issued a level 3 outlook for excessive rainfall (flash flooding) for Friday, with areas from Louisiana through east Tennessee mostly likely to see flooding develop. If you live in a flood-prone location, review your flooding plan to seek higher ground if flood waters threaten. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-09 064527-1767966333985.png">Catch updates during our top weather headlines (:00, :20, :40 past the hour) or get the latest regional update for the East and Central U.S. at :10 and :30 past the hour.

Tornado Threat Elevated Across the South Friday into Saturday

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This first full week of January has brought many record highs across the country, with more expected through the end of the week. But... not so fast. There is a big cooldown in the forecast and it will hit fast over the weekend! <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web 4-1767968499810.png">Even widespread record warm lows! Warm overnights will impact areas, from the Plains to the Northeast, many spots could have their warmest overnight lows on record for early January.On Thursday, more records fell across the country, including cities like Hattiesburg, MS, reaching 81 degrees!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web 1-1767968366540.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web 2-1767968381527.png">As the ridge shifts east and the trough moves in, some will see temperature drops as we head into the second half of the week. Some of us will still be feeling the springtime warmth for the next day or so.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web 5-1767968523859.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web 6-1767968531755.png">Some cities are in for a little temperature whiplash this weekend. As daytime highs are expected to plunge 20-30 degrees. As a second system rolls across the east on Saturday. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web 7-1767968785017.png"> <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/web 8-1767968795739.png">

Temperature Whiplash for the Weekend

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Several rounds of winter weather are set to impact the Midwest from Friday into Saturday as a pair of storm systems move across the country, bringing periods of snow and potential travel disruptions. The first system is arrived from the Southwest, spreading snow across the central Plains before pushing into the Midwest on Friday. As colder air filters in behind it, snow chances will increase across parts of Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin and surrounding areas, with roads likely turning slick during the day and into the evening hours.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-09 07-37-40-1767969485868.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Temperature Drop</h1>After the first low moves through on Thursday, temperatures are going to drop dramatically. A second storm system following closely behind will reinforce the cold air and help generate additional snowfall into Saturday. While many Midwest locations are expected to see generally light accumulations, some areas could pick up a few inches by early Saturday, especially where snow bands linger longer. Farther east and north toward the Great Lakes, snowfall totals may be higher as lake-enhanced snow develops, boosting accumulations in parts of Wisconsin and Michigan.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-09 073828-1767969529370.jpg">Wind chill values will also be impacted by these two waves, dropping some of these temperatures to well below zero.Strong winds accompanying the second system could worsen conditions, particularly near the Great Lakes, where blowing snow may significantly reduce visibility at times. Gusty winds may also lead to drifting snow and isolated whiteout conditions, especially in lake-effect prone areas. Travel impacts are likely to be greatest overnight Friday into Saturday morning, and drivers are urged to use caution as conditions change rapidly.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web3-1767794539082.png"><h1>Forecast and Timing</h1>As that first low clears to the east, the next round of snow will begin to develop Friday afternoon in the Upper-Midwest along the base of a trough. As gulf moisture meets this trough, widespread snow is expected to develop around the Great Lakes and Upper-Midwest. Snow will wrap around the low as it gradually moves across the Great Lakes through Sunday morning.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/New Baron Video 3-1767928994502.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Heaviest snow is expected around the Great Lakes in northern Michigan and northern Wisconsin where there is a chance to get lake effect snow. There could be over 3-6 inches of snow in these areas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-09 074506-1767969910106.jpg">Make sure stay alert to updated winter weather alerts and forecasts, as small shifts in storm tracks or temperatures could lead to changes in snowfall totals and timing across the Midwest through the weekend. For the latest in the Central Region, tune in live at :30 past the hour or get it on demand anytime with the WeatherNation app.

Rounds of Snow Returning to the Midwest

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Alana Cameron was born and raised in Canada in the city of Mississauga, just outside of Toronto. Alana is the oldest of 4 siblings, all close in age, and grew up playing outside with them in all types of weather. After graduating high school, Alana moved to study at the University of British Columbia in Kelowna for a year before transferring to Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Atmospheric Science. Upon completion, Alana moved back to Toronto where she completed a post-grad degree in Meteorology at York University. After her post-grad, she went on to complete another post-grad in Broadcast Journalism - TV News at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. During her final year of studies she had the privilege of interning with the best in the business in Canada at The Weather Network. Once she finished her internship, she got the call from small-town Denison, Texas where she accepted a job as an on-air meteorologist at KTEN-TV, right in tornado alley, covering severe weather from Sherman/Denison (North Texas) to Ada (Southern Oklahoma). After the most active tornado season Oklahoma had seen in May 2019 (105 tornadoes!) Alana is excited to join WeatherNation to cover weather all across the nation. If you're interested in following her on social media she can be found @alanacameronwx!

Alana Cameron

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It's been a slow start to the ski season for a lot of our resorts out west, so any snow in the forecast should bring a little hope to the skiers and boarders out there. Winter weather alerts have been issued across the Four Corners through Friday. Totals will vary based on elevation.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 174402-1767833193610.png">Across Arizona and New Mexico, we've been getting rainfall, and that will continue overnight. In the meantime, snow will start to pile up in Colorado, Utah, and the higher elevations of the southern Four Corners.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/01-07 rsw rsc-1767833203813.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Through Friday, some of our ski resorts could max out around a foot. For the Colorado Rockies and resorts of Utah, we'll be fortunate enough if we see around 9" to one foot for resorts like Vail and Steamboat Springs.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 174409-1767833222196.png"><h2>Denver Area</h2>Models are starting to get better correlated on what the outcome for Thursday's snowfall is. Temperatures look to be a bit cooler, cool enough to support upwards of 1-5" of snow in the Denver area.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 154256-1767825841035.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 174716-1767833250369.png"><h2>Salt Lake City</h2>SLC has seen barely any snow this season. So far, we've only had 0.1" of snow downtown. The forecast from the National Weather Service has a forecast of 1-2" in the city.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 154348-1767825872371.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 174723-1767833255996.png">Whether you're hopeful or skeptical of this forecast, be sure to join us on WeatherNation live for the latest breakdown of these forecasts!

Snow Returns to Ski Country

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NORTHEAST - We've had a series of clipper systems move from the Northern Plains over the Great Lakes and past the Northeast over a lot of the Christmas holidays. Now that we're back for the first full week of work and school, we have more of the same. Through tonight, winter weather advisories have been issued for portions of northern New England for a bit of sleet, ice, and a couple of quick inches of snowfall. This will likely lead to slick spots on the road tonight and tomorrow morning.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web1-1767781875352.png">Here's a look at our forecast totals from now through Wednesday. Higher elevations may see more than a couple of inches, but otherwise, totals will be fairly minimal.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web2-1767781901208.png">Timing things out through Wednesday morning, we currently have a wintry mix pushing through the northeast along a frontal boundary and that will continue through Wednesday morning in these areas.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-07 03-33-24-1767782032503.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Next System To Watch</h2>After we receive a little bit of snowfall, another warmer system is set to move into the northeast as we head into the latter half of the work week. With warmer temperatures in store, this will likely bring in more rain than snowfall. That could lead to some slushy conditions, especially if you have snowfall on the ground in your area. Rain starts to push in Thursday through Saturday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-07 03-32-08-1767782070128.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>For more of these details be sure to join us LIVE on WeatherNation!

Adrian Hernandez

Wintry Weather to Rain Chances In The Northeast

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<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2007919969460183293" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2007919969460183293"></div>One last push of the trough responsible for the heavy rain in California will kick off the week. This comes after several systems created major flooding and mudslides over the holidays. The threat of additional flash flooding (including with mudslides and debris flows) and heavy mountain snow will continues on Monday.<h1>Flooding Threat</h1>Flash flood potential is expected to continue through today with the WPC's excessive rainfall outlook at a MARGINAL (level 1 out of 4) risk.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-05 134424-1767645873195.png"><h1>Timing / Forecast</h1>There is still some lingering rain in northern California happening today through tonight. The surface low will parallel the coast through tomorrow and may bring some minor rain back into southern California.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/01-05_rsw california-1767645945817.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Snow &amp; Wind</h1><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2007829374213693448" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2007829374213693448"></div>Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect for the Sierra Nevada as well as the Trinity-Shasta mountains through tonight.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-05 134605-1767645972878.png">Snowfall totals moving forward are likely in the higher elevations but a couple inches over the Donner pass and up near Mount Shasta could cause road slow-downs on our interstates.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/we2-1767620172781.png">More details on your Western Regional Forecast can always be found :50 past the hour on WeatherNation.

Heavy Rain & Snow Winding Down Tonight in California

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After colder air settles into the Southeast earlier this week, warmer temperatures will briefly return ahead of an approaching storm system, setting the stage for severe weather.Here are some of the hail reports from Saturday's storms along the Gulf Coast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/1-1767495361933.png">The low diving across the Mississippi Valley today will move through the Carolinas on Saturday, dragging a cold front across the Gulf Coast. As warmer and moist air surges north ahead of the boundary, more thunderstorms are possible tonight. Following the front, temperatures will stay warm and more sunshine will be expected for next week.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/New Baron Video 3-1767495625178.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

Kevin Schneider

Severe Storms Target the Southeast on Saturday

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<h1>Northern U.S.</h1>In the North-Central U.S., an Alberta Clipper will help reinforce the cooler air as we move into the weekend. Morning lows and afternoon highs will be well below normal for many spots in the northern U.S.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-02 131959-1767385206537.png">Be cautious of the wind chill; some of these spots may read above zero on a thermometer, but they will feel even colder than that. Some wind-chills could reach the single digits.Temperatures will not rise significantly in the afternoon. Check out the high temperatures to start the weekend! <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-02 132146-1767385317298.png"><h2>Southern U.S.</h2>Frost and Freeze Warnings were issued earlier this week across portions of the South. Here is a look at the temperatures that kicked off 2026 on Thursday!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-01 074114-1767278487500.jpg">Temperatures have been warming back up to end the week. Many areas will be at or above normal with high temperatures into the weekend.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-02 132431-1767385475366.png">Make sure you stay tuned to WeatherNation, as we continue to monitor the cold air!

Jesse Kelley

Chilly Air Across the Northern States

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As we say goodbye to 2025 and ring in 2026, many parts of the country can expect active weather for this year’s ball drop. In New York City, home to the nation’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration, conditions will turn cool through the evening and overnight, with a low chance for a few light snowflakes around midnight. Temperatures are expected to fall below freezing, dropping into the 20s.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/PIC 2-1767206581020.jpg">Here’s an early look at the forecast: a few light snow showers may be possible on New Year’s Eve across the region, but accumulations are not expected.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/12-30_rne bams-1767123576095.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Did you know the first-ever ball drop originated in New York City back in 1907? Luckily for the spectators who gathered in Times Square on December 31, 1907, the weather cooperated. The day reached a high of 44°F with a low of 35°F, milder than the current normal high of 41°F and low of 30°F for December 31. Still, as the ball dropped at midnight, spectators definitely needed their winter coats, as the 35°F temperature felt colder with 20-mph west winds.Across the rest of the country, other unique “ball drops” will be taking place, and in many spots, the weather looks chilly.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot 2025-12-30 172400-1767140647149.png"> Out west, some locations will stay relatively mild. In Boise, Idaho, spectators can enjoy the famous potato drop with temperatures around 40 degrees at midnight.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot 2025-12-30 172354-1767140651187.png">In the Southeast, a giant peach will NOT be dropping this year in Atlanta; the city is opting for a New Year's celebration called Countdown Over ATL. Temperatures will still be cool if you're participating. Still, some other spots will be dropping unusual items such as a giant orange in Miami, a giant pineapple in Sarasota, and a giant conch in Key West, where temperatures will be in the 50s.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot 2025-12-30 172347-1767140655771.png">Across the rest of the nation, some can expect a cool and rainy New Year's Eve like the southwest, and bitter cold in the northern Plains.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/2025-12-29 05-28-37-1767011338082.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>For a more detailed look at the days leading up to the New Year, be sure to join us on WeatherNation all week long, we’re streaming 24/7!

Weather for the Ball Drop: What to Expect as 2026 Begins

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TAZEWELL COUNTY, IL - On December 28th, a strong cold front moving through the Midwest produced dangerous and damaging storms as it moved through. In Illinois, many of these thunderstorms triggered tornado warnings issued by the National Weather Service from Lincoln and Chicago in the afternoon. Later in the day, additional tornado warnings were issued by the NWS in Northern Indiana, Paducah, and Louisville, Kentucky. At least two tornadoes have been confirmed.One of these tornadoes was in Tazewell County, Illinois. Here is some of the damage that was captured on camera in the area.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2005655047665770791" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2005655047665770791"></div>The National Weather Service has confirmed this to be an EF-1 tornado with maximum winds of 98 mph, leaving behind damage to two outbuildings and numerous trees.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot 2025-12-29 164352-1767051837245.png">Just down the road in Mount Zion, Illinois, an even stronger tornado was reported with winds of 120 mph, bringing it up to EF-2 in strength. The National Weather Service in Lincoln <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=PNSILX&amp;e=202512292155&amp;bbb=CCA">reports </a>that this tornado tore through it, "removed the majority of the roofs off of 8 homes and produced complete destruction of a garage that was tossed to the next block."<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot 2025-12-29 163709-1767051919355.png">This tornado was also captured on camera in Mount Zion.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2005632521158144068" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2005632521158144068"></div>After the frontal boundary moved through, temperatures dropped significantly, and some spots even saw snowfall. For more on how the weather will be in these area,s be sure to join us on WeatherNation live for more!

Tornadoes Confirmed In Illinois From Sunday

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UPPER MIDWEST - Blizzard alerts are in place for portions of the Upper Midwest through Monday. Blizzard warnings are issued when visibility is less than 1/4 mile, winds are greater than 35 mph, and lasting for more than 3 hours. Additional alerts are in place, including winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories. 4 - 14" of snow will be possible and white out conditions will stick around long after the snow stops falling. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/Web1-1767010399907.png">The Iowa Department of Transportation reports that portions of the heavily traveled Interstate 35 are closed from Clear Lake to Ames due to hazardous weather conditions.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2005641210451407198" src="https://x.com/iowadot/status/2005641210451407198"></div>As the frontal system moves through, temperatures will turn colder, and winds will increase, allowing blizzard conditions to continue into the beginning of the workweek.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/2025-12-29 05-13-43-1767010456858.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Snowfall totals could reach several inches, especially with the added influence of lake-effect bands near Lake Superior.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/Web5-1767010518679.png">For more coverage, be sure to watch us live on WeatherNation!

Blizzard Conditions In the Upper Midwest, Portions of I-35 Shutdown

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Originally born in Spokane, Washington,  Jackie's Dad was in the Air Force which led her to a life of travel. She has lived in Wichita, Okinawa, Japan, Baltimore, New Jersey, Indiana and South Carolina.  After graduating from Kadena High School, in Okinawa Japan, she got a full basketball scholarship to Coppin State College. On the court she was a 4-year starter and reached over 1000 points in her basketball career. She was also named Athlete of the Year for the whole university in 2002. Off the court, she earned a degree in Broadcast Production/English.

After college, she landed a job as a radio personality. Jackie went on to have a successful career for 12 years working at KXLY broadcast center. While on the radio, she decided to change career. Jackie went back to school, graduating from the Mississippi State Meteorology Broadcast Program. From snow, to tornadoes, to hurricanes, she has had experience forecasting all these events.

Jackie Brown

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Unseasonably warm temperatures continue to prevail in much of the central and southeastern United States, as an area of high pressure maintains the jet stream north, allowing warm air to build up. Widespread record highs have been noted for days now, with Christmas being a particularly warm day down in Oklahoma and Texas!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot 2025-12-26 124127-1766796470565.png">More records have been falling throughout the day on Saturday. It's not just that many records have been falling recently; it's how easily they are going down. We've seen multiple records fall by 10° or more, including a record of 87° in Wichita Falls!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot 2025-12-27 173416-1766882070014.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot 2025-12-27 173358-1766882070019.png"><h1>A PATTERN CHANGE ON SUNDAY</h1>Feast your eyes on Sunday! Some cities will see a HUGE drop in temperatures as a cold front blasts south. Denver will go from near 60° on Saturday to a high of just 34° on Sunday. Salt Lake City will drop to the mid-30s on Sunday as well. Omaha, Nebraska, will see a high of 60° on Saturday, but by Monday, temperatures will only rise into the low 20s! (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/artic-air-returns-this-weekend">Read more here</a>)<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/web1-1766921888574.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/web2-1766921941970.png">The South Central will remain firm in the above-average temperatures through the weekend, but here too temperatures will crash down by the beginning of next week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/web3-1766921966466.png">

Record Warmth For One More Day

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CALIFORNIA - Over the past few days, tropical moisture has brought flooding through portions of California. Although the main atmopsheric river is gone, multiple disturbances over the next few days will bring more rain and storms and the chance for more flooding. Flooding, mudslides, and severe storms will all be threats over the next few days. Portions of California have seen almost a foot of snow just since Wednesday morning.<h1>Rain &amp; Flooding</h1>Although winding down, we still have a slight risk (level 2 out of 4) for flooding on Friday. The major impacts of today are expected to stay in the LA area.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/web1-1766761826334.png"><h1>TIMING</h1>There will be rounds of rain and snow with breaks, as multiple waves move through over the next few days. On Saturday, things clear out with calmer conditions for the rest of the weekend.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/2025-12-26 10-11-05-1766761893366.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Heavy Snow</h1>Heavy snow will accumulate over the Sierra Nevada Mountains through Friday, leading to travel impacts and the potential for delays. Winter Storm Warnings have been issued all across California. 3-5 feet of snow is expected, with some areas seeing higher totals.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/web1-1766761959472.png">For more details on your forecast out west, tune in to your Western Regional :50 past the hour.

Flooding Risk In California Continues

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Does it feel like deja vu? This persistent pattern, locked in for most of December, has some side effects. No snow for the west! While areas around the Midwest are experiencing their snowiest start to the Winter in years, areas out west are looking at their slowest start to the water year.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot 2025-12-17 090611-1765987589484.png">Take, for instance, the Pacific Northwest. They've been seeing the worst of both patterns: warm systems that bring inundating rainfall to the area, without the benefits of slow-melting snowfall, keeping watersheds fed with a much-needed, consistent water source.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot 2025-12-21 141153-1766351518447.png">Other areas like Colorado have seen a fairly soggy past month, but got off to one of the latest starts to winter on record in Denver. Similarly, like the northwest was struggling, any shot at moisture fell at once, as rain.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot 2025-12-21 141214-1766351538721.png">All of this information comes from the National Integrated Drought Information System, an offshoot of NOAA<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://nwcc-apps.sc.egov.usda.gov/imap/#version=2&amp;elements=&amp;networks=!&amp;states=!&amp;basins=!&amp;hucs=&amp;minElevation=&amp;maxElevation=&amp;elementSelectType=any&amp;activeOnly=true&amp;activeForecastPointsOnly=true&amp;hucLabels=false&amp;hucIdLabels=false&amp;hucParameterLabels=true&amp;stationLabels=&amp;overlays=&amp;hucOverlays=state&amp;basinOpacity=100&amp;basinNoDataOpacity=100&amp;basemapOpacity=100&amp;maskOpacity=0&amp;mode=data&amp;openSections=dataElement,parameter,date,basin,options,elements,location,networks,baseMaps,overlays,labels&amp;controlsOpen=true&amp;popup=&amp;popupMulti=&amp;popupBasin=&amp;base=esriWgc&amp;displayType=basin&amp;basinType=6&amp;dataElement=WTEQ&amp;depth=-8&amp;parameter=PCTMED&amp;frequency=DAILY&amp;duration=I&amp;customDuration=&amp;dayPart=E&amp;monthPart=E&amp;forecastPubDay=1&amp;forecastExceedance=50&amp;useMixedPast=true&amp;seqColor=2&amp;divColor=7&amp;scaleType=D&amp;scaleMin=&amp;scaleMax=&amp;referencePeriodType=POR&amp;referenceBegin=1991&amp;referenceEnd=2020&amp;minimumYears=20&amp;hucAssociations=true&amp;relativeDate=-4&amp;lat=41.191&amp;lon=-108.971&amp;zoom=5.5">Interactive Map at this link here</a><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot 2025-12-21 141238-1766351564715.png">So what would help? A breakdown of the pattern would be a great place to start, with some signs that we might get some help. As the jet stream dips into the holiday week, confidence is growing in heavy rain targeting California

One Year Later: Palisades and Eaton Fires

One Year Later: Palisades and Eaton Fires

Tornado Threat Elevated Across the South Friday into Saturday

Tornado Threat Elevated Across the South Frid

Temperature Whiplash for the Weekend

Temperature Whiplash for the Weekend

Rounds of Snow Returning to the Midwest

Rounds of Snow Returning to the Midwest

Snow Returns to Ski Country

Snow Returns to Ski Country

Wintry Weather to Rain Chances In The Northeast

Wintry Weather to Rain Chances In The Northea

Heavy Rain & Snow Winding Down Tonight in California

Heavy Rain & Snow Winding Down Tonight in Cal

Severe Storms Target the Southeast on Saturday

Severe Storms Target the Southeast on Saturda

Chilly Air Across the Northern States

Chilly Air Across the Northern States

Weather for the Ball Drop: What to Expect as 2026 Begins

Weather for the Ball Drop: What to Expect as

Tornadoes Confirmed In Illinois From Sunday

Tornadoes Confirmed In Illinois From Sunday

Blizzard Conditions In the Upper Midwest, Portions of I-35 Shutdown

Blizzard Conditions In the Upper Midwest, Por

Record Warmth For One More Day

Record Warmth For One More Day

Flooding Risk In California Continues

Flooding Risk In California Continues

West Facing Record Low Snow Levels

West Facing Record Low Snow Levels