A powerful storm that brought rain and snow to California is now moving across the country, stretching from the Southwest to the Northeast. By the weekend, this system will bring rain, snow, and ice to several states, according to meteorologists.
Unlike last week’s storm, which brought rare snowfall to the Southeast, Florida and other Gulf Coast areas are expected to avoid icy conditions. However, heavy snowfall and snow squalls are forecasted for the Great Lakes and Northeast through Wednesday, which could affect morning and evening commutes.
In the South Central U.S. and the Mississippi Valley, flooding and severe thunderstorms are expected between Wednesday and Thursday. Meanwhile, parts of northern Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska could see accumulating snow starting Wednesday. Additionally, heavy rain—up to 6 inches—is likely from central Texas to western Kentucky, leading to possible flooding and travel disruptions.
By the end of the week, major cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., could experience heavy rain, ice, or snow, leading to travel delays.
Florida Warms Up After Rare Snowstorm
After experiencing record-breaking snowfall and freezing temperatures last week, Florida is returning to normal weather. In Pensacola, temperatures are expected to rise from 62°F on Tuesday to 70°F by Friday. Last week, Pensacola saw 5 inches of snow, breaking state records, while nearby areas received up to 10 inches.
Other cities, such as Tallahassee and Jacksonville, will enjoy temperatures in the 70s, with Jacksonville possibly reaching the low 80s. Central and South Florida will also see warm weather throughout the week.
Colder-Than-Normal January in the Northeast
This winter has been much colder than usual in the Northeast, with cities like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City experiencing temperatures several degrees below their historical averages. Despite the cold, snowfall in some areas has been below normal. For example, Philadelphia has received only 4.9 inches of snow since October—about 50% of the usual amount.
Gale Warnings and Fire Risks
Strong winds are causing dangerous conditions from the Great Lakes to the Northeast. Gale warnings have been issued along the shorelines of states including Maine, New Jersey, and New York. Winds up to 50 mph could create hazardous waves and fire risks in dry areas like Chicago.
Temporary Relief for California
The recent rainfall in California helped control wildfires, but the relief may only last a week. Meteorologists warn that the region remains dry, and fire risks could return soon.
Meanwhile, much of the U.S. is experiencing a warmup, with some areas seeing temperatures 15-25 degrees above normal.
