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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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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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">

Jackie Brown

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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Persistent lake-effect snow and a series of fast-moving winter systems continue to impact the Great Lakes and the Northeast, creating a prolonged stretch of wintry weather. The pattern remains active as cold air repeatedly pours south from Canada, interacting with relatively warmer lake waters and reinforcing narrow but intense snow bands downwind of the lakes. Winter Weather Alerts<h1>RECORD SNOW</h1>Last week on Tuesday, Syracuse broke a record with 24.2" of snowfall, and could see additional snowfall through this week. Heavy snow bands plagued the Northeast through the New Year, had heavy Lake Effect snow.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/PIC 2-1767208072325.jpg">New snowfall totals are coming in with over 30" of snowfall over the past few days. The most significant lake-effect snowfall continues east and southeast of&nbsp;Lake Erie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lake Ontario, where cold northwest winds are producing long-fetch snow bands. These bands can remain nearly stationary for hours, and additional snow can accumulate over areas that have already received several feet.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/web1-1767526574525.png"><h2>Upper Midwest</h2>Winter weather alerts have been issued for portions of the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan through tomorrow. We are expecting a few inches of snowfall, but the bigger problem here will be the freezing rain or drizzle that will lead to extremely difficult driving conditions as we wrap up the holidays.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-04 113850-1767552116580.png">A series of clipper systems will help to bring in light precipitation across this region, over the next few days. Snow and ice will all be possible, so use caution if you have to be on the roads.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/MIDWEST SNOW-1767572104692.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Rain and snowfall totals will be heavier closer to the Great Lakes, but ice totals may reach upwards of .5" in some of these areas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-04 113457-1767552472759.png"><h2>Northeast</h2>Across the northeast, we have seen our fair share of lake effect snowfall as mentioned above, but as this clipper moves in, it will give us the opportunity to see more snowfall in the area. There currently aren't any winter alerts in place for these areas, but you will see some light snow move through. As the second clipper moves in on Tuesday and Wednesday, the warm front will bring warm temperatures, enough to bring rain and freezing rain concerns next.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/KDJFSSSS-1767571979802.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Totals don't look overly impressive, but it's enough to impact your driving as you head back to work and school this week. Check on buses and any cancellations!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-04 115105-1767552673954.png">Tune into WeatherNation:10 past the hour for your eastern regional forecast with the latest updates on the lake-effect snow.

Wintry Weather Expected From the Midwest to Northeast

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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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[<a href="https://www.noaa.gov/stories/video-new-experimental-radar-could-lead-to-earlier-severe-weather-warnings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NOAA</a>] NOAA researchers recently unveiled “<a href="http://bit.ly/2EDRCnu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the radar of the future</a>” – a new $38 million prototype that could improve warnings, protect lives and property, and reduce the economic impact of severe and hazardous weather.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xso-P0UAE88

&nbsp;

<a class=" ext-link-after" href="https://www.eol.ucar.edu/content/how-do-radars-work">Weather radars</a> consist of a transmitter that bounces radio waves off clouds and storm systems, and a receiver that detects precipitation and winds. Unlike today’s weather radars that use a dish antenna that tilts and rotates to collect data, the new experimental radar called the <a href="https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/tools/radar/atd/">Advanced Technology Demonstrator</a> (ATD) has a flat panel with a grid of thousands of small antennas that transmit radio waves and receive reflections back from the atmosphere. This <a href="https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/tools/radar/mpar/">phased array </a>allows the radar to be steered electronically with no moving parts, collecting and updating information more rapidly.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-98737 size-full" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/10/mpar-sk2.png" alt="New Advanced Technology Radar Installed at National Severe Storms Laboratory" width="600" height="334" />

[Phased Array radar has a unique antenna that collects the same information as a conventional radar in about one-sixth the time. Users can direct radar beams to scan different targets as needed. Researchers believe phased array could extend warning lead times from 10 minutes to 18-22 minutes.]
The ATD also features <a href="https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/tools/radar/dualpol/">dual polarization technology</a> that helps forecasters know the type of precipitation that is occurring, such as rain, snow or ice. It’s the first radar combining both phased array and dual polarization technologies.
Researchers say the new radar should be ready to collect experimental weather data for the first time during severe weather season in spring 2019.
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-98736" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/10/dualpol5_both.gif" alt="" width="350" height="200" />

[Difference between conventional and polarmetric radar]
Funded by NOAA and the Federal Aviation Administration, the ATD is the newest in a long line of radar innovations developed and being tested at <a href="https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/">NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory</a> in Norman, Oklahoma.
Edited for WeatherNation by Meteorologist Mace Michaels

New Experimental Radar Could Lead to Earlier Severe Weather Warnings

Late Week Storm System Brings a Different Pattern

The holidays make it hard to keep track of wh

Record-Breaking Warmth for the Upcoming Week

While there will be a temporary break in reco

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

Wintry Weather Expected From the Midwest to Northeast

Persistent lake-effect snow and a series of f

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