Following a brief spell of spring-like weather, winter conditions are expected to return with back-to-back storm systems poised to bring heavy snow to millions across the Northern Tier of the U.S. starting Thursday.
In total, more than 2 feet of snow may blanket parts of Wisconsin and Michigan by Monday, with over a foot possible in other areas of the Upper Midwest, Northern Plains, and New England.
The initial storm is forecast to kick off on Thursday, stemming from the atmospheric river currently affecting the Pacific Northwest. An area of low pressure is projected to rapidly form in Montana and the Dakotas before moving eastward. This low-pressure system is expected to intensify swiftly, generating strong winds over the Plains and Rockies.
Wind alerts have been issued across the region, with gusts of up to 75 mph possible, posing risks of power outages and whiteout driving conditions affecting travel. Snowfall is anticipated to commence in the Dakotas on Thursday, lifting a warm front and strengthening the system. Moisture colliding with colder air to the north will trigger heavy snow in northern Minnesota and Michigan.
The FOX Forecast Center predicts 5 to 8 inches of snow accumulation north of Interstate 94, with the clipper's winds potentially causing blizzard conditions in the Great Lakes region. Blizzard warnings have been issued for lakeshore areas of Lake Superior in Minnesota, with challenging travel conditions expected Thursday night into Friday morning.
As the low-pressure system progresses into the Great Lakes, heavy snowfall is likely across the Upper Midwest and northern Great Lakes. The clipper is then anticipated to move into New England, bringing snow to ski areas. Although snowfall totals may not be significant, the sudden shift from warm weather could result in snowmelt and ice jams.
After the first storm, a second storm is forecast to form, affecting millions from Saturday through early Monday. Heavy rain and mountain snow from the Pacific Northwest will transition eastward as a jet stream dip moves across the Northern Rockies and into the Plains by Saturday, leading to the development of a low-pressure system in the Midwest.
With cooler air from Canada following this low-pressure system, a strong temperature gradient is expected to form. Heavy snowfall is likely in the Upper Midwest and northern Great Lakes as the low moves eastward, potentially causing blizzard conditions in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and northern Michigan. Cities such as Minneapolis, Marquette (MI), and Green Bay (WI) could be impacted.
Northern areas of New York and New England may also experience snow late Sunday into early Monday. Subsequent to the second storm, a surge of arctic air will descend, affecting the Upper Midwest down to the Tennessee Valley, marking a drastic change from the ongoing record-breaking warmth along much of the East Coast.
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