WeatherFanatics: January 2016

Sunday, January 31, 2016

What Appeared to Be Kuwait's First Snow of Record Was Likely Hail, Scientists Say

Ada Carr
Published: January 29,2016

A car in Kuwait is covered in a dusting of what appears to be snow, but may likely be graupel.
(Middle East Eye )

What appeared to be the first snowfall ever seen in Kuwait created a flurry of activity on social media as users excitedly uploaded photos and videos.

According to the Middle East Eye, the alleged snow fell Thursday morning after temperatures in the area dropped.

"Cold temperatures in the Arabian Desert are not unusual in winter. On Thursday, the daytime high temperature at Salmy, in far western Kuwait, was only 4˚C (about 39˚F)," said weather.com meteorologist Jon Erdman.

Despite the appearance of a winter wonderland, Meteorologist Mohammad Karam says the “snowfall” was actually hail that fell onto wet grounds and created a layer of ice, according to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

(MORE: Bizzare Star-Shaped Hailstone Ties California State Record)

"Some numerical forecast guidance earlier in the week suggested a dusting of snow was possible in northern Saudi Arabia and far southern Iraq. However, it appears more likely Kuwait saw either graupel (snow particles that are heavily rimed with ice) or small hail," said Erdman.

Nearby Saudi Arabia, which occasionally sees snowfall, also had a recent cold snap that caught the country by surprise, reports Malaysian Digest. Temperatures plummeted below 32 ˚F, thickening the flurries and causing officials to suspend classes in the northern border areas of the country.

View image on Twitter

Rori Donaghy @roridonaghy

In the northern Saudi city of Rafha today snow covers the ground, as temperatures plummet to -2 degrees.

5:30 AM - 28 Jan 2016

Karam cautions farmers in Kuwait to protect their crops and groves from harmful hail effects.

MORE: Syria Snow

Heavy Snow, Blizzard Conditions Possible in Rockies, Plains, Upper Midwest Next Week (FORECAST)

Quincy Vagell
Published: January 29,2016
Five years after the Groundhog Day Blizzard of 2011 hammered much of the Plains and Midwest, another winter storm may produce blizzard conditions across the Rockies and central United States to start February 2016. This time around, the areas with the greatest potential for seeing the most snow will likely be north and west of the heaviest axis of snow in the 2011 snowstorm.
A southward plunge in the jet stream this weekend is expected to trigger the development of low pressure east of the Rockies by early next week. With the low-pressure system forecast to rapidly intensify, wrapping moisture into cold air to its north, a swath of heavy snow and strong winds is forecast to develop north and northwest of the track of the surface low.

Potential Snowfall Through Wednesday

At this point, parts of the central and southern Rockies, central Plains, Upper Midwest and northern Great Lakes have the greatest probability to see significant snow from this system.
(MORE: Winter Storm Central)
Below we discuss the potential setup in more detail.

System Develops in the West This Weekend

The seemingly endless parade of storm systems to impact the West Coast is forecast to continue into the weekend.
Forecasts from the computer models differ on the exact details, but more locally heavy rain is now spreading into the Pacific Northwest and far northern California, and will then slowly slide down the coast into Sunday. This could bring a burst of locally heavy rain, possibly thunderstorms, into Southern California Sunday.
(FORECAST: L.A. | San Diego)
Across the mountains, especially the Sierra, snow is likely to pile up, tacking on to their already above-average snowpack, by late-January standards.
(MORE: Sierra Snowpack at Five-Year High)

Sunday's Forecast

Snow will then overspread parts of Nevada, Utah and Colorado. Temperatures will be cold enough for snow across much of this area, but rain or a mixture of rain and snow is anticipated over the lowest elevations.
(FORECAST: Grand Junction, Colorado | Reno, Nevada | Salt Lake City)
As the jet stream continues to dig south across the West, snow levels will fall as cold air drives into portions of Arizona and New Mexico. This means snow will fall over much of the higher elevations of northern and eastern Arizona, eastward into the central and southern Rockies and adjacent Front Range as early as Sunday.

Storm Intensifies over Plains Early Next Week

Monday that low-pressure system will gather steam in the southern Plains. This will spread heavy snow from parts of Colorado and southern Wyoming, into parts of Nebraska, western Kansas, New Mexico, even possibly parts of the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles.
(FORECAST: Casper, Wyoming | Denver | Santa Fe, New Mexico)

Monday's Forecast

The low-pressure system is forecast to move northeastward and intensify, reaching the mid-Mississippi Valley Tuesday. Again, the track of the storm is crucial, as heavy snow should persist to the north and northwest of the low track. Indications are that the heaviest snow will hammer parts of the central Plains into the Upper Midwest Tuesday.

Tuesday's Forecast

Later Tuesday into Wednesday, snow is expected to spread into the northern Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi Valley.
Due to the intensifying low, another story will be the potential for strong winds. Sustained winds may reach 30 to 40 mph with gusts over 50 mph, with the highest confidence of this happening over parts of eastern Colorado, western Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa.
The combination of snow and wind could result in blizzard conditions, at times, in these areas.
(FORECAST: Des Moines | Green Bay | Minneapolis)
If that wasn't enough, a severe weather outbreak may occur on the warm side of this storm over parts of the South.
(MORE: Severe Weather Outbreak Potential)
Indications are that the storm moves swiftly to the northeast through midweek with precipitation tapering off to snow showers across parts of the Great Lakes Wednesday night into Thursday.

Next Wednesday's Forecast

With the low projected to pass through the eastern Great Lakes and into Canada, mainly rain is in the forecast for the East Coast late Tuesday into next Wednesday. It is possible that some sufficiently cold air may be trapped in some valley locations of the interior Northeast to allow a bit of snow, sleet and freezing rain as precipitation first develops, but the storm track does not favor widespread accumulating snow or ice across the region.
(FORECAST: Boston | New York | Washington, D.C.)

Comparing to the Groundhog Blizzard of 2011

An impressive winter storm dropped more than a foot of snow from parts of Oklahoma into Missouri, Illinois and Michigan. Blizzard warnings were issued across eight states, as winds gusted to 50 to 60 mph with the snow.

A map showing snowfall totals from the Groundhog Day Blizzard of 2011.
(NOAA)

In Chicago, this event was the third heaviest snowstorm on record with 21.2 inches of snow from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2, 2011. The Windy City also set a 24 hour snowfall record with an even 20 inches during the height of the storm.
The main difference between this year's expected winter storm and the Groundhog Day Blizzard of 2011 is the storm track.
In 2011, low pressure began to develop over coastal Texas and ejected north-northeast into the mid-Mississippi Valley. This track was far enough south and east to allow cold air to reach Oklahoma City, Kansas City and Chicago, where temperatures stayed below freezing throughout the entire event.
Despite the upcoming storm system forecast to occur on the same calendar days as the 2011 Groundhog Day winter storm, there will likely be some differences in snowfall this time around.

Possible Groundhog Day Setup

Early next week, the low pressure is forecast to track farther north and west than the 2011 event. The corridor from Oklahoma City to Chicago should see mainly rain, as they end up near or south of the storm's track. However, this setup could result in heavy accumulating snow for areas such as Denver, Omaha and Minneapolis.
As always, check back with us at weather.com for the latest forecasts as new information comes in.
MORE: 11 Best Groundhogs

Winter Storm Kayla to Bring Heavy Snow, Blizzard Conditions to Rockies, Plains, Upper Midwest (FORECAST)

Quincy Vagell
Published: January 29,2016

Winter Storm Kayla has been named by the winter storm naming committee at The Weather Channel. Kayla will bring heavy snow and strong winds to parts of the Rockies, Plains and Upper Midwest into early next week.
(MORE: Science Behind Naming Winter Storms)
Five years after the Groundhog Day Blizzard of 2011 hammered much of the Plains and Midwest, Winter Storm Kayla will produce blizzard conditions across the Rockies and central United States to start February 2016. This time around, the areas with the greatest potential for seeing the most snow will likely be north and west of the heaviest axis of snow in the 2011 snowstorm.
(MORE: Memories from Past Groundhog Days)
A southward plunge in the jet stream this weekend is expected to trigger the development of low pressure east of the Rockies by early next week. With the low-pressure system forecast to rapidly intensify, wrapping moisture into cold air to its north, a swath of heavy snow and strong winds is forecast to develop north and northwest of the track of the surface low.

Potential Snowfall Through Wednesday

Kayla Develops in the West This Weekend

The seemingly endless parade of storm systems to impact the West Coast is forecast to continue into the weekend.
More locally heavy rain is now spreading into the Pacific Northwest and far northern California, and will then slowly slide down the coast into Sunday. This could bring a burst of locally heavy rain, possibly thunderstorms, into Southern California Sunday.
(FORECAST: L.A. | San Diego)
Across the mountains, especially the Sierra, snow is likely to pile up, tacking on to their already above-average snowpack, by late-January standards.
(MORE: Sierra Snowpack at Five-Year High)

Winter Weather Alerts

Snow will then overspread parts of Nevada, Utah and Colorado. Temperatures will be cold enough for snow across much of this area, but rain or a mixture of rain and snow is anticipated over the lowest elevations.
Winter storm watches, warnings and advisories have already been issued by the National Weather Service across the West, including most of Utah and western Colorado.
Forecast: Grand Junction, Colorado | Reno, Nevada | Salt Lake City

Sunday's Forecast

As the jet stream continues to dig south across the West, snow levels will fall as cold air drives into portions of Arizona and New Mexico. This means snow will be possible from northern Arizona, eastward into the central and southern Rockies and adjacent Front Range as early as Sunday.

Kayla Intensifies over Plains Early Next Week

Monday that low-pressure system will gather steam in the southern or central Plains. This could spread heavy snow from parts of Colorado and southern Wyoming, into parts of Nebraska, western Kansas, New Mexico, even possibly parts of the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles.
Forecast: Casper, Wyoming | Denver | Santa Fe, New Mexico

Monday's Forecast

The low-pressure system is forecast to move northeastward and intensify, reaching the mid-Mississippi Valley Tuesday. Again, the track of the Winter Storm Kayla is crucial, as heavy snow should persist to the north and northwest of the low track. Indications are that the heaviest snow will hammer parts of the central Plains into the Upper Midwest Tuesday.

Tuesday's Forecast

Forecast Sustained Winds Tuesday

The combination of snow and wind could result in blizzard conditions, at times, in these areas. It is possible that the National Weather Service could issue blizzard watches at some point this weekend, as offices in Omaha and La Crosse, Wisconsin have eluded to.
(FORECAST: Des Moines | Green Bay | Minneapolis)
If that wasn't enough, a severe weather outbreak may occur on the warm side of Winter Storm Kayla over parts of the South and Ohio Valley.
(MORE: Severe Weather Outbreak Potential)
Indications are that Kayla moves swiftly to the northeast through midweek with precipitation tapering off to snow showers across parts of the Great Lakes next Wednesday night into Thursday.

Wednesday's Forecast

Comparing to the Groundhog Blizzard of 2011

A map showing snowfall totals from the Groundhog Day Blizzard of 2011.
(NOAA)

In Chicago, this event was the third heaviest snowstorm on record with 21.2 inches of snow from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2, 2011. The Windy City also set a 24 hour snowfall record with an even 20 inches during the height of the storm.
The main difference between Winter Storm Kayla and the Groundhog Day Blizzard of 2011 is the storm track.
In 2011, low pressure began to develop over coastal Texas and ejected north-northeast into the mid-Mississippi Valley. This track was far enough south and east to allow cold air to reach Oklahoma City, Kansas City and Chicago, where temperatures stayed below freezing throughout the entire event.
Despite Winter Storm Kayla forecast to occur on the same calendar days as the 2011 Groundhog Day winter storm, there will likely be some differences in snowfall this time around.

Possible Groundhog Day Setup

5 Things to Know About Winter Storm Kayla

Quincy Vagell
Published: January 31,2016

Winter Storm Kayla will deliver a swath of snow across the country from the West to the Great Lakes to start the week. In addition to snow, there are several other aspects of the storm that we are watching.
(MORE: Winter Storm Kayla Forecast)
Here are five things you need to know about this storm, including when and where your area can expect the biggest impacts.

1.) Heavy Snowfall Across Several States

Potential Snowfall Through Wednesday

Winter Storm Kayla is now beginning to organize over the Southwest. This is where the heaviest snow will first develop through Monday.
As low pressure develops over the southern High Plains, heavy snow will progress northeast from the Front Range across the central Plains, Upper Midwest and parts of the Great Lakes for Tuesday into Wednesday.
(FORECAST: Denver | Omaha | Green Bay)
Widespread snowfall amounts of 6 inches or more will be common in the locations mentioned above, particularly the mountains in the West and a swath from Kansas and Nebraska into Iowa and Wisconsin.
A blizzard warning was issued Sunday evening for portions of south-central Nebraska and north-central Kansas. A blizzard warning is also in effect in portions of Nevada and California. Parts of four states were under a blizzard watch as of Sunday evening, including eastern Nebraska, southeast South Dakota, western, central and northern Iowa and far southern Minnesota. A larger swath of states from the Southwest into the western Great Lakes was under various winter storm watches, warnings and advisories.

2.) Strong Winds Will Cause Blizzard Conditions

Forecast Sustained Winds Tuesday

With low pressure rapidly intensifying over the Plains and Mississippi Valley, gusty winds will develop around the storm. On the cold side of Winter Storm Kayla, some of the strongest winds will overlap with an area seeing heavy snow across the central Plains and Upper Midwest.
Blizzard conditions or at least near-blizzard conditions are likely from parts of nothwest Kansas and Nebraska into Iowa and southern Minnesota, as winds increase to 25 to 40 mph with gusts to 50 mph possible.
(MORE: What is a Blizzard?)
The exact track of the storm system will be crucial in determining the precise parts of these states that stand the greatest risk of experiencing blizzard conditions.
A mentioned before, blizzard warnings and watches have already been issued for parts of the West, Plains and Upper Midwest.

3.) More Like a Spring Storm Than a Winter Storm

Setup Early Next Week

If snow wasn't enough, Winter Storm Kayla is also going to have elements more typical of an early spring storm, than one happening at the beginning of February.
Kayla will take a track from the Plains into the Great Lakes, sometimes referred to as a "lakes cutter." Such an inland track will draw unseasonably warm air north and east across much of the eastern half of the country.
Unlike Winter Storm Jonas, that developed off the East Coast, Kayla will bring rain to areas across the Mid-Atlantic recently buried by the blizzard just about a week ago.
Forecast: Baltimore | New York City | Washington, D.C.

4.) Severe Weather Outbreak, Tornadoes Possible in the South

Severe Weather Setup

Speaking of being like an early spring storm, Kayla will bring warm, humid air northward into parts of the south, including the Ark-La-Tex region, Lower Mississippi Valley, Tennessee Valley and Southeast.
As the storm system develops over the central states, there will be an increasing threat of severe thunderstorms, including possible tornadoes, on Tuesday.
On Sunday, The Weather Channel Severe Weather Expert, Dr. Greg Forbes, said that "A severe thunderstorm outbreak is likely on Tuesday."
The greatest tornado threat is focused on parts of the Lower-Mississippi Valley. A broader area can expect at least a possibility of severe thunderstorms from the Ohio Valley to the Gulf Coast.
Forecast: Jackson, Mississippi | Memphis, Tennessee | Tuscaloosa
Although the severe thunderstorm threat will tend to lessen with eastward extent, strong winds and perhaps a couple of tornadoes could also affect the lower Appalachians, lower Mid-Atlantic region and Southeast, including Florida, late Tuesday and into the day on Wednesday.

5.) Significant Warm Up Ahead of Kayla

Parts of the southern Plains have already heat up and much of this warmth will spread east, affecting a large chunk of the eastern half of the United States to start the week.
On Friday, temperatures reached the 70s as far north as eastern Kansas, while Oklahoma City tied their daily record high of 76 degrees. By Saturday, parts of Texas surged into the 80s, where San Angelo tied their daily record high of 84 degrees.
Warmer air will surge east and northeast into early this week, bringing spring-like temperatures to the Deep South and Florida. A few record highs have been set in Texas on Sunday as temperatures soared into the 80s and 90s across parts of the Lone Star State.
The Ohio Valley and East Coast will get in on the warm up as well the next few day, where a few record highs could be set in southern New England on Wednesday.
Forecast: Boston, Massachusetts | Hartford, Connecticut
As Kayla swings a cold front across the eastern U.S. Tuesday and Wednesday, temperatures will return back to near average later next week from west to east.
MORE: Getting Engaged in Winter Storm Jonas

Weather Underground National Forecast for Sunday,January 31,2016

By: nationalsummary , 11:00PM,GMT on January 30,2016

Weather Underground Forecast for Sunday,January 31,2016

A strong low pressure system will form over the Southwest on Sunday, while a wave of low pressure moves across the upper Midwest.

A low pressure system will deepen as it moves eastward over the Southwest. This system will be accompanied by a plume of moisture from the Pacific, which will lead to heavy rain across southern California. Prolonged heavy rain could lead to flash flooding over the southwestern corner of the state. A blast of cold air will accompany this system, aiding in the development of moderate to heavy snow across the higher elevations of the Southwest and the central Rockies. Snow accumulations will range between 1 to 2 feet across southern California, while snow totals will range between 2 to 3 feet across portions of the Wasatch and the Rockies. Winter storm warnings are in place for the southern Sierra Nevada, the San Bernardino Mountains, the Riverside County Mountains, the Chuska Mountains, the White Mountains, the Wasatch and the Rockies. Additionally, strong winds will affect the Southwest throughout the day.

Meanwhile, an area of low pressure will push northeastward across the middle Mississippi Valley and the Great Lakes. This system will produce showers and thunderstorms over the lower Mississippi Valley and the western Tennessee Valley. Light to moderate showers will develop ahead of this system over the eastern Tennessee Valley and the Ohio Valley. A mixture of rain, freezing rain and snow will spread across the middle and upper Mississippi Valley, the upper Midwest and northwest New England.

20 gorgeous landscapes that will make you love winter

By Michael Alan Connelly

January 31,2016; 6:40AM,EST

Like it or not, winter seems to have finally arrived. And while that might be a cause for grumbling and daydreaming about warmer locales, you have to admit that winter isn't all bad. In fact, snow-covered mountains and icy lakes make for some of the most captivating scenery on the planet. Don't believe us? Keep reading to find 20 places that are so pretty that it's worth braving the cold to visit them.
VATNAJOKULL NATIONAL PARK, ICELAND

Credit: Surangaw | Dreamstime.com
Jokulsarlon is a large glacial lake located in Vatnajökull National Park, which covers roughly 13 percent of Iceland.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Iceland Guide
BAVARIAN ALPS, GERMANY

Credit: minnystock | Dreamstime.com
In Ramsau, St. Sebastian Church stands in front of a mountain backdrop, forming a typically stunning scene in this region.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Bavarian Alps Guide
LAPLAND, FINLAND

Credit: Sarawinter | Dreamstime.com
Remote and sparsely populated, the largest and northernmost region of Finland features stunning scenery and iconic hotels like the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Finland Guide
Continue Reading on Fodors.com >

Tornadoes, damaging wind to accompany severe storms across Mississippi Valley on Groundhog Day

By Jordan Root, Meteorologist

January 31,2016; 11:28PM,EST

A significant storm will be taking shape to start February and those living in the Mississippi Valley and Deep South will want to take notice for impending severe weather on Groundhog Day.
"The severe weather event will unfold as a warm and moist air mass located along the Gulf Coast collides with a strong cold front moving east," said AccuWeather Meteorologist Becky Elliott.
The threat for thunderstorms will unfold on Tuesday with the potential for some of them to turn severe in over several states, spanning from southern Illinois and Indiana to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
The strongest thunderstorms will have the potential to spin up a few tornadoes as well as damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 mph that could topple trees and bring down power lines.

Those living in the threat area should not be surprised if power outages occur during these thunderstorms and will want to be fully prepared if such a situation were to occur.
Making sure batteries are charged and flashlights are in working order is a good first step when preparing for severe weather.
"The main round of severe weather will come on Tuesday, with damaging winds, heavy rain, and isolated tornadoes all expected threats," warned Elliott.
"Severe thunderstorms will ramp up in the afternoon after the atmosphere has time to warm and become more prime for severe weather development," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski said.

"The area at greatest risk for the outbreak of severe weather lies in between Little Rock and Nashville Tuesday afternoon and early evening," Pydynowski said. "This includes Memphis, Tennessee, and Jackson, Mississippi."
While the above area is most at risk, a strong to severe thunderstorm could also erupt around Little Rock midday Tuesday and may threaten places northward to St. Louis and southward to New Orleans.
The main threat will likely come with a squall line which will sweep across this area packing damaging winds and a burst of very heavy rainfall. There can be quick spin-ups of tornadoes within this line of thunderstorms.
Make sure you know when the storms will hit by using AccuWeather MinuteCast®.
RELATED:
Fun in the snow: Viral videos from the blizzard of 2016
The difference between tornado watches and warnings
AccuWeather severe weather center
The burst of rain in a short amount of time could lead to some street flooding, forcing detours on motorists and extended travel time. Those traveling on Interstates 10, 20, 40, 55, 59 will have to battle blinding downpours.
The line of storms will push eastward through Tuesday night, turning into a mainly damaging wind threat, although an isolated tornado will still not be able to be ruled out. Louisville, Kentucky; Nashville, Tennessee; Birmingham, Alabama; and Mobile, Alabama will be in the path during this time for these storms.
While the bulk of the energy with this storm system will zip north into Canada Wednesday, there will still be a threat for flooding downpours and strong wind gusts with storms across the Southeast. Isolated severe thunderstorms will be possible from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Tampa, Florida.
Cities in the Northeast from Boston to Washington, D.C. will experience a mild but cloudy day with plenty of rain expected.

Despite the absence of thunderstorms in the Northeast, very strong winds will be in place aloft which could mix and be brought down to the surface. Loose items will be blown around and sporadic power outages are possible.
While this storm spawns severe weather in some states, it will also be responsible for bringing a blizzard to others on the northern and western side of it. This storm system will be responsible for sending an extended period of cold air into much of the northern and eastern United States for the end of the week and weekend.

Taste of spring to kick off February in Eastern US

By Brett Rathbun, AccuWeather.com Meteorologist

January 31,2016; 11:27PM,EST

The start of February will feel more like spring across the eastern United States as milder air surges in.
The warmth that brought the weekend to an end across the Eastern Seaboard will persist into Monday, causing the first day of February to feel like calendars were flipped to late March or early April.
Temperatures will soar into the 50s from Washington, D.C., to New York City to Boston.

Record warmth impacts the Northeast

The warmth will occur ahead of a cold front that will knock down temperatures some for Tuesday before more milder air surges back for Wednesday.
Temperatures on Wednesday will range between 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit above average. Some cities could challenge record highs before colder air builds back in.
Cities that may tie or break the record include Buffalo and Syracuse, New York; Burlington, Vermont; Boston; Philadelphia; and Washington, D.C.
This milder weather will also prevent the mid-Atlantic from dealing with another major snowstorm as the storm will instead bring blizzard conditions to the central U.S.
Instead, the storm will deliver rainfall to the Eastern Seaboard at midweek. Rainfall will range between 0.50 of an inch to 1.50 inches from the Gulf Coast to New England. Some locations of northern Maine may start out as a period of snow or ice before changing over to rain.

The rain along with the milder conditions should melt the rest of the snowpack that remains across the mid-Atlantic from the Blizzard of 2016.
This amount of rain along with the recent melting snowpack could lead to localized flooding, mainly near small streams, creeks and rivers.
"By the end of the week, there will be very little evidence that a blizzard occurred," AccuWeather Meteorologist Michael Doll said.
"Larger snow piles left behind by plows, however, will take a little longer to completely melt away," he added.
Commuters from Boston to D.C. will need to give themselves extra time leaving home as the heaviest rain is likely to fall during Wednesday afternoon.
RELATED:
Fun in the snow: Viral videos from the blizzard of 2016
Tornadoes, damaging wind to accompany severe storms across Mississippi Valley on Groundhog Day
Northeast US interactive radar
Drivers should watch for ponding on roadways along all interstates across the East Coast.
Track the rain across your area by using AccuWeather Minutecast®.
Gusty winds with this system will be limited to the the mid-Atlantic coast. Gusts could exceed 30 mph from Cape Cod to the Delmarva Peninsula.
A few rumbles of thunder will accompany this rain, mainly from Maryland to the Southeast. The potential for stronger storms will be from southeastern Virginia into central Florida.
Damaging winds and hail will be the primary threats across the Southeast, but the strongest storms could produce an isolated tornado.
Locations with the potential for a stronger storm include Norfolk, Virginia; Raleigh and Fayetteville, North Carolina; Charleston and Columbia, South Carolina; Augusta and Savannah, Georgia; and Tallahassee and Jacksonville, Florida.

"Strong-to-severe storms could be moving through Atlanta metro during the morning commute Wednesday and reach Raleigh and Charlotte later in the day," Doll said.
Those traveling on Interstate 95 from Emporia, Virginia, to Daytona Beach, Florida, will need to be on alert for rapidly changing weather conditions.
Drier and colder weather will return to the entire East Coast by Thursday. Highs on Thursday will be between 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit colder than on Wednesday.
Enough cold air will be in place for bands of lake-effect snow to develop downwind of the Great Lakes.
There is the potential that a couple storms will attempt to develop off the Southeast Coast and track northward spanning the upcoming weekend and into the second full week of February. It is too soon to determine if these storms will brush the coast or remain out to sea.

Colorado to Iowa, Michigan face blizzard Monday into Groundhog Day

By Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist

January 31,2016; 11:24PM,EST

Snow and slippery travel over the central United States will evolve into dangerous blizzard conditions to start February, including Groundhog Day.
A storm will strengthen and gather snow and wind as it tracks across the Southwest states into Monday to the central Plains and Upper Midwest during Monday night into Tuesday night.
The storm will put down snow along a 1,600-mile swath in the U.S. from Flagstaff, Arizona, to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

According to AccuWeather Meteorologist Brett Rathbun, "A swath of 6- to 12-inch snowfall with areas of 12-18 inches are expected from parts of Arizona, northern New Mexico, Utah and Colorado to portions of Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, northern Michigan and southern Minnesota."
According to AccuWeather Meteorologist Becky Elliott, "Blizzard conditions will develop as the storm strengthens, so residents should keep that in mind as they make preparations over the weekend."
At the height of the storm, winds can gust to 50 mph with the potential for power outages.
RELATED:
Iowa caucuses 2016: Advancing snow may deter voters
Blizzard survival guide: These tips could help save your life
AccuWeather winter weather center
This is the type of storm that has the potential to shut down major highways. Snow of varying intensity and blowing and drifting snow with poor visibility will impact portions of interstates 25, 29, 35, 40, 70, 80, 90 and 94.
Even where sleet and rain mix in with the snow, travel can be difficult and very slippery.
There is also the potential for a number of airline delays and flight cancellations from Denver to Omaha, Nebraska, Minneapolis and Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The winter storm will arrive in parts of Iowa during Monday evening, where the caucuses for the 2016 Presidential Election will take place.

Iowans prepare for caucuses and blizzard

Even though most of the snow will stay north and west of Chicago, enough wind and rain can occur and cause some airline disruptions at O'Hare International Airport, as well as General Mitchell Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The northwestern edge of the snowstorm will graze Minneapolis.
Wind and rain could cause delays around Detroit.
"The threat for snow will begin along portions of the Front Range from New Mexico to Colorado and Wyoming by Monday morning," Elliott said.
The storm could last 36 hours or more along portions of the Front Range.
Denver could receive its biggest snowfall of the season so far from the long-duration storm early this week. The biggest single-storm snowfall this season was 7.7 inches on Dec. 15. So far during January, only 4.4 inches of snow has fallen.

A combination of surging warmth to the south and east, a charge of cold air to the north and west and strong winds aloft will help to energize the storm.
Temperatures over the middle Mississippi Valley will surge into the 60s F to perhaps near 70, while temperatures plunge into the teens and 20s over parts of the central and northern Plains early this week.
The storm will bring a wide range of weather, including the risk of violent thunderstorms in the storm's warm sector, over the lower Mississippi Valley and Deep South on Groundhog Day.

Late-week winter air to chill eastern US after springlike start of February

By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist

January 31,2016; 11:23PM,EST

The taste of spring kicking off February in the East will not last long with colder air set to return later this week, lasting all the way into the middle of February.
The warmth for the first half of this week, especially on Monday and Wednesday, will have many along the Eastern Seaboard wondering if the calendar has been flipped ahead to April instead of February.

"Temperatures on Wednesday across much of the East will be 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit above normal," AccuWeather Meteorologist Steve Travis said, "however, the springlike feeling will not remain for long."
The passage of a cold front on Wednesday will open the door for cooler air to funnel back in and return the East back to winter reality.
Brutal cold will not follow the front with temperatures instead trending downward to more typical levels for early February. The break that residents caught on their heating bills early this week will not be reversed by a higher-than-normal demand late in the week.

"Temperatures will return to normal levels by Friday with the chill of winter back in the air," Travis said.
"High temperatures on Friday will at best reach the middle 30s across the Great Lakes with highs in the lower 40s along the I-95 corridor [in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic]."
Highs will also be returned to the 50s in most of the Southeast from near Raleigh, North Carolina, to Jacksonville, Florida.
The return of the colder air will give ski resorts in the Appalachians an opportunity to rebuild their snow bases that thinned out earlier this week.
RELATED:
Forecast temperature maps
Midweek rain to end springlike warmth across eastern US
20 gorgeous landscapes that will make you love winter
AccuWeather meteorologists will also be monitoring the potential for a winter storm to develop along the leading edge of the cold and graze the Northeast coast, especially eastern New England, with snow later in the week.
A storm later in the upcoming weekend also bears watching for the possibility of unleashing windswept snow across a part of the Northeast as another shot of cold air arrives and reminds residents that winter is far from over.
That cold shot will cause "lower-than-normal temperatures to reach the Eastern Seaboard during the week of Feb. 8 to Feb. 12," AccuWeather Long-Range Meteorologist Jack Boston said.
"The pattern setting up next weekend through the second week of February is one that can definitely bring East Coast storms with interior snow and coastal rain."

Tracking many wintry chances over next two weeks

AccuWeather will continue to provide more details of any winter storm threats in the Northeast as this week progresses.
Farther ahead into February, Boston anticipates the cold to ease for the third week of the month before the potential for more colder shots to return to close out February.

Harrisburg: Springlike warmth to start February, not last into late week

By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist

January 31,2016; 11:21PM,EST

The start of February will actually feel more like spring around Harrisburg before more typical winter chill makes a comeback later in the week.
Residents will not get much use out of heavy winter jackets and will be able to save on heating costs early this week with mild air surging in.
The warmth will also further erase evidence of the recent blizzard.

Record warmth impacts the Northeast

Temperatures both Monday and Tuesday will soar well into the 40s, when highs in the upper 30s are more common. Further warmth will send temperatures into the 50s on Wednesday.
Tuesday will feature dry and mostly sunny conditions. Rain, however, threatens to spoil outdoor plans for those hoping to take advantage of the mild weather on Monday or Wednesday.

A couple of showers will be around on Monday followed by a steadier rain on Wednesday morning.
In addition to ruining outdoor plans, commuters can anticipate slower travel and delays at midweek.
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Widespread flash flooding is not expected, but runoff from the rain could eventually lead to minor flooding on rivers that will rise earlier this week from melting snow.
The passage of the cold front will open the door for more typical February air to return and cause temperatures to trend downward later in the week.

Boston: Springlike warmth to start February, not last into late week

By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist

January 31,2016; 11:20PM,EST

The start of February will actually feel more like spring around Boston before more typical winter chill makes a comeback later in the week.
Residents will not get much use out of heavy winter jackets and will be able to save on heating costs early this week with mild air surging in.

Record warmth impacts the Northeast

Temperatures both Monday and Wednesday will soar well into the 50s when highs in the middle to upper 30s are more common. Record highs will be challenged on Wednesday.
A brief cooldown will separate these days, but Tuesday will still be mild by early February standards.

Tuesday will feature dry and mostly sunny conditions. Rain, however, threatens to spoil outdoor plans for those hoping to take advantage of the mild weather on Monday or Wednesday. That is especially true on Wednesday.
A stray shower or two will dampen places well west of Boston Monday afternoon but will struggle to reach the coast.
RELATED:
Detailed Boston forecast
Boston interactive weather radar
AccuWeather.com MinuteCast® for Boston
While some communities may escape the showers to end Monday, a cold front will bring rain and gusty winds to all of the region on Wednesday.
In addition to ruining outdoor plans, commuters can anticipate slower travel and delays at midweek.

The passage of the cold front will open the door for more typical February air to return and cause temperatures to trend downward later in the week.
AccuWeather meteorologists will be keeping a close eye on a winter storm riding along the leading edge of the cold air that may also try to graze the Northeast coast later in the week.

Philadelphia: Springlike warmth to start February, not last into late week

By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist

January 31,2016; 11:19PM,EST

The start of February will actually feel more like spring around Philadelphia before more typical winter chill makes a comeback later in the week.
Residents will not get much use out of heavy winter jackets and will be able to save on heating costs early this week with mild air surging in.
The warmth will also further erase evidence of the recent blizzard.

Record warmth impacts the Northeast

Temperatures both Monday and Wednesday will rise to within a couple degrees of 60 F when highs in the lower 40s are more common. Record highs will be challenged on Wednesday.
A brief cooldown will separate these days, but Tuesday will still be mild by early February standards.

Tuesday will feature dry and mostly sunny conditions. Rain, however, threatens to spoil outdoor plans for those hoping to take advantage of the mild weather on Monday or Wednesday. That is especially true on Wednesday.
A couple of showers will dampen the area Monday afternoon and evening. Steadier rain and gusty winds will then follow on Wednesday. It is not out of the question for a rare February thunderstorm to rumble.
RELATED:
Detailed Philadelphia forecast
Philadelphia interactive weather radar
AccuWeather MinuteCast® for Philadelphia
In addition to ruining outdoor plans, commuters can anticipate slower travel and delays at midweek.
The passage of the cold front will open the door for more typical February air to return and cause temperatures to trend downward later in the week.

AccuWeather meteorologists will be keeping a close eye on a winter storm riding along the leading edge of the cold air that may also try to graze the Northeast coast later in the week.