A series of powerful storms are expected to sweep across the United States in the first week of January, bringing heavy rain, snow, strong winds, and thunderstorms to many regions.
While some areas may face severe weather hazards, others may benefit from the much-needed precipitation.
Storms to Drench the Drought-Stricken West
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The storm surge will begin on Monday, January 1, as a low-pressure system moves into the Pacific Northwest, delivering rain and mountain snow to Washington, Oregon, and northern California.
The system will then track southward along the coast, spreading moisture to the rest of California and the Southwest by Tuesday and Wednesday.
This is good news for the drought-stricken West, which has been suffering from a prolonged dry spell and a record-breaking wildfire season.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, more than 95% of the West is in some level of drought, with nearly 60% in extreme or exceptional drought.
The storms could provide some relief to the parched soil and reservoirs and reduce the fire risk in the region.
However, the storms could also pose some challenges, such as flash flooding, mudslides, and debris flows in areas burned by recent wildfires.
Moreover, the rain and snow could disrupt travel and outdoor activities, especially in the higher elevations where heavy snowfall and strong winds are expected.
Storms to Unleash Thunderstorms and Severe Weather in the East
As the storm surge moves eastward, it will interact with warm and humid air from the Gulf of Mexico, creating a favorable environment for thunderstorms and severe weather.
The first round of storms will affect the central and southern Plains, the lower Mississippi Valley, and the Southeast on Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing the potential for damaging winds, large hail, isolated tornadoes, and heavy rain.
The second round of storms will develop on Thursday and Friday, as a stronger low-pressure system emerges from the Rockies and tracks across the Midwest and the Northeast.
This system will bring a more widespread threat of severe weather, including tornadoes, to parts of the Ohio Valley, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Southeast.
The system will also produce heavy snow and blizzard conditions in the northern Plains and the upper Midwest, as well as a wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain in parts of the Great Lakes and New England.
The storms could have significant impacts on millions of people, especially those who are traveling or returning from the holiday season.
It could cause flight delays, road closures, power outages, and property damage in affected areas. It could also increase the risk of flooding, especially in areas that have received above-normal rainfall in the past month.
Storms to Bring a Change in the Temperature Pattern
The storm surge will also bring a noticeable change in the temperature pattern across the country.
Before the storms arrive, much of the nation will experience above-average temperatures, with some areas reaching record highs in the 70s and 80s.
However, after the storms pass, a blast of cold air will sweep in from Canada, dropping temperatures by 20 to 40 degrees in some places.
The cold air will be most pronounced in the northern and central Plains, the Midwest, and the Northeast, where highs will be in the teens and 20s by the weekend.
The cold air will also reach the South, where lows will dip into the 30s and 40s, and even the 20s in some spots.
The cold air will be accompanied by gusty winds, creating a wind chill factor that will make it feel even colder.
The temperature change will be a shock for many people, especially those who are not used to such extremes.
It could also affect the health and well-being of people, animals, and plants, as well as the energy demand and supply in the country.
