After what's felt like weeks of the same old weather, a pattern shift will bring some changes this week. Here's what we have our eye on.
1. Warmth Finally Spreads
The West and Plains have been enjoying the warmth recently, while the Midwest, Southeast and East have been shivering. We should finally see some relief from the cold in the Midwest and Southeast. Last weekend, Florida saw below freezing temperatures. But this week, they're forecast to see 70s and 80s. Much of the South will see highs in the 60s or 70s, while parts of the lower Midwest could see high temperatures in the 40s, 50s, even 60s.
2. Welcomed Mountain Snow Returns To The West
While the Northeast and Midwest, and even the South, have gotten their fair share of snow this season, theWest is still far behind their average snowfall totals. Fortunately for them, that will change this week. While accumulations will be modest, much of the Mountain West should at least see their first fresh snowfall in some time.
3. Valentine's Weekend Concerns?
In a very broad sense, computer forecast models are suggesting an increased chance of rain, perhaps thunderstorms in the South late in the week into Valentine's weekend. But they're currently far apart on the details, including where the rain and storms may be, and if there may be any strong to severe storms.
They're also not clear if any moisture will stream north into colder air to produce any ice, sleet or snow next Friday into the weekend.
It's fairly common for forecast models to struggle in winter this far out in time. So, check back with us at weather.com for updates to this forecast in the days ahead.
(MAPS:Daily US Forecast Rain, Snow)
Why This Is Happening
All these changes are due to a shift in the upper-level pattern. This week, a trough dominates the East, while a ridge dominates the West. That will shift this week, with a trough in the West and a ridge in the East.
This pattern shift in the upper level brings a change in wind directions. The Midwest and South will see winds coming from warmer temperatures further south, including bringing moisture from the Gulf into the Southeast.
Meanwhile, the West will see colder air coming from the North, as well as a low pressure system associated with rain and snow.
Miriam Guthrie graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with an undergraduate degree in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences and is now a meteorology intern with weather.com while working toward her master's.
