After a warm and quiet Fall so far this year, snowfall is likely by the end of the week in portions of the West and Plains. Computer forecast models have been locking onto this system since last week. Big snows are possible in areas of the Upper Midwest that haven’t seen snow yet this season. The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center has mapped out a large area where an inch or more of snow could fall. Some of the highest mountains may see more than a foot of snow by the end of the week.
Significant snowfall possible mid week over the northern Rockies. Heavy snowfall and strong winds could spread onto the Plains late week. pic.twitter.com/2N6lsDQOuy
— NWS (@NWS) November 14, 2016
As the Jet Stream digs into the West, it will pull down cold air, helping the snow to form.
On Tuesday, the storm will start to move through the Northern Rockies, with energy shifting southward by Wednesday.
Thursday into Friday, the low ejects into the Plains and Upper Midwest, spreading the snow northward. As the storm strengthens, wind will likely be an issue with blowing and drifting snow. By next weekend, enough cold air may push across the Great Lakes to get the lake effect snow belts active.
Several National Weather Service offices from the West into the Northern Plains have been discussing the storm on social media.
Colder air will move in Tue night dropping snow levels from 10,000 ft to 3,500-4000 ft Wed! Here is what we expect for snowfall! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/x7yUQQBIOA
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) November 14, 2016
Here is our latest snowfall forecast for later this week. Confidence is still low in these totals. #MTWX pic.twitter.com/AyLr6vXhcg
— NWS Great Falls (@NWSGreatFalls) November 14, 2016
The Cascades will see snow tonight, and the Methow Valley could see some as well❄️ #wawx https://t.co/6RsYXIqF56 pic.twitter.com/JmshU3hHGO
— NWS Spokane (@NWSSpokane) November 14, 2016
Change is coming… Valley highs in the 40s and mountains to see snow by midweek. #idwx #orwx pic.twitter.com/iD3qp92q2b
— NWS Boise (@NWSBoise) November 14, 2016
Mild thru mid-week but winter wx is headed our way. Look for parts of the region to see accums & blowing snow #SDWX pic.twitter.com/wdHjRn3XYz
— NWS Aberdeen (@NWSAberdeen) November 14, 2016
Mild fall weather for a few more days. Storm system moving through Fri/Sat with rain changing to snow. #mnwx #wiwx pic.twitter.com/zt6jMiI94m
— NWS Twin Cities (@NWSTwinCities) November 14, 2016
@CIPSAnalogs for >4" of snow highlights where models today are showing greatest threat for snow late week. Stay tuned! #mnwx pic.twitter.com/bQduZyWRro
— NWS Twin Cities (@NWSTwinCities) November 14, 2016
Stay tuned to WeatherNation throughout the week for updated forecasts on where, when, and how much snow may fall.
For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Mace Michaels