One-Two Punch of Wintry Weather Into Thanksgiving Day

Mother Nature will pack a one-two punch of wintry weather across the western half of the U.S. leading up to Thanksgiving. There is also growing confidence in snow or a wintry mix for parts of the Northeast on Turkey Day itself.

One upper-level weather system will zip across the Rockies into the northern Plains today. This system will then move into the Great Lakes and south-central Canada on Monday. The first system will have a limited amount of moisture and cold air. As a result, snow accumulations should be minimal for most locations. However, the tallest peaks of the central Rocky Mountains and the Upper Great Lakes could be in store for higher snowfall amounts.

Light to moderate snow will occur across western Montana, most of Wyoming, Utah and northwestern Colorado throughout today. Flurries or light snow will spread to the Dakotas, northern Nebraska and Minnesota today. The focus of snow will then be found across Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on Monday morning and afternoon, which will taper off and end in the evening and overnight.

Expect a coating to a few inches of snow for most lower elevations into late Monday night. The higher elevations of Montana, Wyoming, Utah and western Colorado could see 3 to 7 inches, with the tallest peaks reporting as high as 10 to 15 inches of new powder. Minnesota’s Arrowhead, northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula will likely pick up 2 to 6 inches of snow.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Montana’s East Glacier Park region, which includes Cut Bank. Widespread Winter Weather Advisories are posted throughout Montana, northern Idaho, the higher elevations of Wyoming and Utah and parts of western Colorado. Additional Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for Minnesota’s Arrowhead and far northern Wisconsin.

Meanwhile, a larger, slower-moving storm system will hover just off the coast of the Northwest today. It will drift across the Western U.S. Monday and Tuesday, before entering the nation’s midsection on Wednesday. Unlike the first weather system, this larger storm will have colder air and will also tap into a good surge of Pacific moisture.

There could be a few rain and mountain snow showers across central/southern California today. However, the focus of precipitation will be found across the Northwest and northern California, especially in the afternoon and evening. Expect rain along the coast and for the lower elevation, while moderate to briefly heavy snow will fall in the mountains and higher elevations.

Precipitation will spread farther south and east on Monday and Tuesday, pushing farther into California and the Great Basin on Monday and then the Rockies and High Plains on Tuesday. Precipitation will fall in the form of rain for the coastal areas and lower elevations, with snow expected in the mountains and higher elevations. The heaviest snowfall amounts will occur in the Cascades, Sierra Nevada and central Rockies.

Snowfall amounts of 1 to 4 feet are likely for the Sierra Nevada, with up to 5 feet possible in a few areas! The Cascades and the mountains of Utah and western Colorado could also be looking at 10 to 20 inches of fresh powder. The rest of the higher elevations of Rockies and Great Basin will likely be looking at 4 to 10 inches, though the lower elevations could only see a Trace to a few inches.

Winter Storm Watches and Warnings are posted throughout the Sierra Nevada currently. Additional advisories, watches and warnings are likely in the coming days.

In addition to the snow, high winds will accompany this large storm system. Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph will be common, though higher wind gusts will be possible in the tallest elevations. The combination of snow and high winds will lead to dangerous travel conditions ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. Be prepared for icy, snow-packed roads, blowing and drifting snow and reduced visibility. Downed trees and power lines will also be a possibility, leading to power outages.

The second, stronger weather system will head into the Plains on Wednesday and then head towards the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic on Thanksgiving Day. Snow will be in the forecast for a few areas on Wednesday, including the Front Range of Colorado. The system will strengthen as it heads into the Northeast, drawing in more cold air. The chance for now or even a wintry mix is becoming increasingly likely on Thanksgiving Day for parts of the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and Northeast.

With wintry weather expected across the nation leading up to Thanksgiving, be sure to have a supply kit packed in case of inclement weather. A simple kit, including a weather radio, water, blankets, batteries and non-perishable food items will go a long way in the event of a power outage or being caught in a winter storm while driving. It’s always best to avoid traveling in rough weather as the roads will be dangerous.