In this video from Direct Weather, they explore the ongoing and upcoming weather patterns, with cold air dominating much of the forecast. The initial snowstorm is tapering off, with another potentially significant snowstorm—or even a blizzard—on the horizon. Forecast models have been inconsistent, alternating between targeting areas like Virginia and North Carolina or shifting northward to the Mid-Atlantic and Southern New England. In the video Direct Weather analyze the latest runs of the GFS model to show these fluctuations, highlighting increasing confidence in a major snow event as conditions align.
The 6-10 day temperature outlook (January 11-15) suggests persistent cold in the Southeast and the Four Corners region, while the Upper Midwest, Northern Plains, and Alaska remain warmer than average. Precipitation trends indicate potential coastal storm activity, particularly in the Northeast, with drier conditions along the West Coast and areas recently impacted by ice storms.
Looking ahead to the 8-14 day outlook (January 13-19), cold air remains over much of the East, though slight warming trends out west could signal eventual shifts. The extended outlook hints at continued cold through January 31, with possible adjustments based on evolving model data.
January has been marked by a strong negative NAO (North Atlantic Oscillation) and positive PNA (Pacific North American Oscillation), funneling cold air into the eastern U.S. This pattern has created ideal conditions for snowstorms, as seen with the first system and the potential second snowstorm brewing. Moisture from the Pacific and Gulf of Mexico could amplify this next storm, with significant snow and ice risks for the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic by late week.
As models continue to diverge, the storm’s exact track, intensity, and areas of impact remain uncertain. The GFS and European models differ significantly, with the GFS suggesting a stronger coastal storm and the European leaning toward a more southern trajectory. Both scenarios carry major implications for snowfall totals and precipitation patterns.
Finally, beyond snowstorms, meteorologists are monitoring severe weather risks tied to this active pattern. A potential warm-up is expected around January 20, but it may be brief as colder air reasserts itself.
Stay tuned for daily updates as we track this dynamic and impactful weather setup.