Seven states are expecting heavy snow ahead of an Arctic blast that is set to descend across the U.S. beginning on Friday and lasting until early next week.
Why It Matters
Millions are bracing for subzero wind chills this weekend as the coldest air of the season hits most of the country. The Arctic blast will bring snow squalls to several states, and seven other states are expecting heavy snow ahead of the plunging temperatures.
On Thursday, winter weather advisories or winter storm warnings were in place for Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Montana and Wyoming.
What To Know
In Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, 1 to 5 inches of snow was expected, depending on the location. The snow was expected to fall through early Friday morning.
In Wyoming and Montana, up to 6 inches of snowfall was expected through Friday.
In some areas on both sides of the country, strong winds were expected and could contribute to the blowing snow. In some places, winds could reach up to 40 mph.
More snow will spread across the country beginning on Friday, as the Arctic blast ushers in snow squalls in parts of the Northern and Central U.S.
What People Are Saying
Marc Chenard, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center, told Newsweek: "The snow squall potential with this Arctic front dropping south is across portions of Montana, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, the main states, potentially getting down into Colorado as well."
Chenard added that the snow squalls won't produce impressive totals, up to 2 to 4 inches in most spots, with some higher terrain areas seeing 6 inches. The biggest impacts will be from the snowfall rates, as snow squalls cause briefly intense periods.
The weather service's Baltimore office said in a winter weather advisory: "Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday evening commute. Snow will overspread the area this morning. The snow will turn more showery this evening before gradually tapering off overnight. Slow down and use caution while traveling."
The weather service's Cheyenne office in Wyoming said in a winter weather advisory: "Areas of blowing snow could reduce visibility and lead to slick road conditions. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute."
What Happens Next
National Weather Service offices across the nation will likely issue more weather-related warnings as the Arctic blast arrives. Colder-than-average temperatures will likely stick around, according to the six- to 10-day temperature outlook from the NWS Climate Prediction Center. Much of the U.S. is expecting below-average precipitation during the same period, according to the outlook.
There is less of a chance of below-average temperatures in the eight- to 14-day outlook, though they remain possible.
English (US) ·