Unexpected Weather Shifts Across the U. S.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a warning about significant weather shifts starting Tuesday, Dec. 16, and lasting through Christmas.

Warm-Up Across the Nation

• Northern Plains: Temperatures will jump from freezing to the 40s by Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Eastward Spread: The warm-up will move eastward from Wednesday to Friday, Dec. 19, as a cold front moves into the Northern Tier.
• Southwest: Will remain warm.

Record-Breaking Heat

Meteorologists predict that this sudden warmth could break records, with dozens of record highs and warm lows expected. The rapid warm-up will also cause snow to melt quickly.

Near-Nationwide Impact

• 46 states are expected to warm up significantly.
• Only a few states in the upper central U.S. will miss out.

Atmospheric Rivers Bring Trouble

While the warm-up is good news, atmospheric rivers are causing problems:

• West Coast: Heavy rain and snow from Washington to Oregon and Northern California.
• Flooding Risk: Moderate to major river flooding possible.
• Snowfall: Several feet of snow could fall in the Cascades.
• Rainfall: Coastal areas could see 3-8 inches of rain.

Weather Whiplash

This extreme shift in weather is a reminder of how unpredictable nature can be. Stay informed and prepared for whatever comes next.