As a wave of cold winter weather is set to ease by Saturday, forecasters are warning of another surge of frigid air arriving next week. While Saturday’s conditions won’t break any record lows, residents in major cities will still feel the chill with blustery winds accompanying seasonably cold temperatures.
In Chicago, afternoon wind chills are expected to plummet to the mid-20s, while New Yorkers may feel temperatures in the mid-30s and those in Washington D.C. can anticipate wind chills in the mid-40s. Areas along the I-95 corridor from Washington D.C. to New York City experienced a brief period of light snow overnight, resulting in little more than a dusting in most areas, though parts of the region garnered up to half an inch of measurable snow.
Saturday morning may pose challenges for commuters, particularly in the I-95 corridor, with lingering icy conditions potentially causing slick spots. However, temperatures are milder this morning compared to Friday, providing a slight relief amid the winter chill.
Forecasts indicate that by Monday, another wave of colder air will engulf the Midwest and Northeast, pushing high temperatures down to near freezing and low temperatures even lower. Meanwhile, the western regions of the United States will see a warming trend, with some locations nearing daily record highs next week.
A rapidly moving snowstorm is also poised to affect the Dakotas and Nebraska on Saturday, advancing into parts of Wisconsin and Illinois by Sunday. As the snowfall progresses, areas in Iowa and southern Minnesota are set to receive the heaviest accumulation, ranging from 3 to 7 inches through Sunday morning. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for cities such as Fort Dodge, Waterloo, Mason City, and Worthington, which could experience significant snowfall.
Chicago and Milwaukee may see new snowfall in the evening, with accumulations ranging from 3 to 4 inches, particularly leaning heavier to the west. Elsewhere, areas stretching from Montana and the Dakotas through southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois could receive 1 to 3 inches of snow.
As the weather system continues its eastward movement, it will usher in another round of cold air but is expected to bring minimal snow to the Northeast, aside from the usual lake-effect snow typical for this time of year.
In the Rocky Mountains, the weekend will continue to see significant snowfall, particularly in higher elevations from Idaho and Montana to Colorado and Utah. Many regions are likely to receive over a foot of snow, with some isolated areas exceeding 2 feet, prompting Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings throughout the affected areas.
