Kevin Schneider

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The holidays make it hard to keep track of what day of the week it is. Mother Nature hasn't been helping with seemingly the same day for the past month or so. Storm systems roar onshore on the West Coast, targeting California recently, ride up and over the ridge in place around the Rockies. Eventually, they dive down through the Upper Midwest and Northeast. And we do that about every 3 days. We might have a different pattern coming. When stubborn setups break down, there can always be some downsides. Let's talk about it<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/01-04 ket stream-1767572719961.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>SETUP</h1>With persistent high pressure being hard to move, the warm weather hasn't been hard to find over the past few months. In fact, many saw their warmest December on record.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-04 103459-1767548116931.png">A strong trough will bite into our friendly neighborhood ridge, bringing back a stormy pattern to places that haven't seen much of it in recent weeks.<h1>SEVERE</h1>This strong trough will have more than enough wind energy and turning of the winds with height to organize any storm that forms in the right location. The question is more about how much energy they get. This is pretty normal for a wintertime setup.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-04 103950-1767548397772.png">Right now, it doesn't look like a TON of unstable air to work with, which should limit the severity largely. However, it looks like enough ingredients will come together to see isolated severe storms.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-04 104201-1767548533634.png">The easier problem to find will be heavy rainfall. With a few rounds of storms likely, areas from the Mid-Mississippi River Valley to the Ohio River Valley could see flash flooding develop on Thursday.<h1>SNOW..?</h1>Hard to believe that temperatures in the middle of the week will be some 15-20 degrees above average, which will lead to POTENTIALLY winter weather. Some models have cold air wrapping around the area of low pressure and catching up to the moisture.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-04 10-57-01-1767549539859.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>There are a ton of uncertainties with this; however, with multiple moving parts to follow, there is little we know for sure about the forecast. Stay with us as we iron out the details!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-04 105627-1767549625599.png">

Alana Cameron

Late Week Storm System Brings a Different Pattern

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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!

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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. The National Weather Service has issued winter weather advisories for the mountains of Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah through tomorrow, with additional snowfall likely through the week ahead. Generally, from now through tomorrow, most of our alerts are for snowfall totals between 4"-8" with localized totals (like the Tetons) upwards of a couple of feet.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-04 120859-1767553952697.png">The timing of this snowfall looks to come in waves as we head into this week, but the alerts above are just through tomorrow.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/rockss-1767572396397.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>As mentioned above, snowfall totals look to be around 4-8" with this first round, but through Thursday, some of our ski resorts could max out around a foot or two. 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 Park City.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-04 121029-1767554110816.png">For the Tetons, here's where we can expect some heavier totals of snowfall. White Pine may see some of the heaviest amounts. Yellowstone National Park is forecast to receive upwards of one foot at the south entrance.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-04 121033-1767554164078.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!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-04 121051-1767554257175.png">

Snow Returns to Ski Country

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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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A Pacific low will continue to unload heavy precipitation in California, following several systems that created major flooding and mudslides during the holidays. Impacts will include the potential for additional flash flooding (including with mudslides and debris flows), isolated severe storms, gusty winds, and heavy mountain snow.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/01-04 WERST MOISTURE SETUP-1767572379438.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Flooding Threat</h1>Rainfall totals could surpass 2-3 inches, or even higher in several mountain locations. This will likely lead to flash flood development and possibly mudslides.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-04 171428-1767572387741.png">Flash flood potential is expected to continue through Monday, with the WPC's excessive rainfall outlook showing a slight risk. Flood potential lingers through Monday, with a marginal risk (level 1) issued from the WPC.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-04 172018-1767572423994.png"><h1>Timing / Forecast</h1>Heavy rain and snow have been happening across California and will slow down in intensity through Monday morning. There is more of a focus on northern California for the heaviest precipitation from now through then.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/01-04 westb ams-1767572504025.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Snow &amp; Wind</h1>Winter Storm Warnings are now in effect for the Sierra Nevada as well as the Trinity-Shasta mountains. Several feet of snow are expected to accumulate by the end of the weekend in many areas, including on I-80 over the Donner Pass.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-04 172200-1767572536808.png">Areas in orange and white could see 2-4 feet of snow, which is great news for the Sierra. The snowpack remains well below average due to the slow start to the season.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-04 172208-1767572542374.png">More details on your Western Regional Forecast can always be found :50 past the hour on WeatherNation.

Flooding, Severe Storms, and Snow Take Aim at California

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While there will be a temporary break in record-breaking warm temperatures briefly, a strengthening upper-level ridge will once more allow warming temperatures to approach record levels.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-04 172253-1767572591754.png">The record potential will generally move from west to east across the country, along with the upper-level ridge. Records fell on Sunday across the High Plains, including Denver, which tied a record reaching 67°.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-04 172304-1767572632534.png">Temperatures in Texas were downright hot this weekend. Down in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, temperatures soared into the 90s! Plenty more records are expected to fall across the Lone Star State in the coming days, especially on Tuesday and Wednesday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-04 172259-1767572651670.png">Check out these forecasted temperatures for next week! We're looking at widespread highs of 20° or more above average again!

Record-Breaking Warmth for the Upcoming Week

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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>

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!

Brittany Lockley

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

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We're watching a few larger fires across the Southwest. While, none are threatening any major populated area, you may notice the increase in smoke and some road closures.
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-92222" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/06/fire-1-728x408.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="408" />

Unfortunately, a ridge of high pressure is building across the west. This is keeping the temperatures extremely high as well as all moisture off to the north.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-92219" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/06/fire-4-728x408.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="408" />

Two fires we are watching are the 416 Fire near Durango, CO and the Ute Fire in New Mexico.

https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1004024009275478016

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-92220" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/06/fire-3-728x408.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="408" /><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-92221" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/06/fire-2-728x408.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="408" />

&nbsp;

For WeatherNation, Meteorologist Kate Mantych.

Fires Continue Across the Four Corners

Late Week Storm System Brings a Different Pattern

The holidays make it hard to keep track of wh

Snow Returns to Ski Country

It's been a slow start to the ski season for

Flooding, Severe Storms, and Snow Take Aim at California

A Pacific low will continue to unload heavy p

Record-Breaking Warmth for the Upcoming Week

While there will be a temporary break in reco

Severe Storms Target the Southeast on Saturday

After colder air settles into the Southeast e

Chilly Air Across the Northern States

Northern U.S.In the North-Central U.S., an Al

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

As we say goodbye to 2025 and ring in 2026, m