Christmas Weekend Snowstorm Possible in the West and Plains

Chris Dolce
Published: December 20,2016
A Christmas weekend snowstorm is looking increasingly likely over a broad swath of the West and Plains states, with a wintry mess of snow, sleet or freezing rain also possible in parts of the upper Midwest and northern New England, as well.
The potential snowstorm will be spawned by a southward plunge of the jet stream and its associated surface low-pressure system moving in from the Pacific Ocean.
(MORE: White Christmas Forecast | Winter Storm Central)

A southward dip in the jet stream plunges into the West late this week, then kicks into the Plains and Midwest. Snow, wind and some ice will be possible on the northern side of this storm system Christmas weekend.

Eventually, that energy will pivot through the Rockies, intensifying an area of surface low pressure northeastward across the Plains and upper Midwest during the weekend.
Snow, strong winds and some ice will affect locations along the path of this storm, likely causing travel delays for anyone taking to the roads and skies this holiday weekend in those regions.
(MORE: Christmas Travel Forecast)
Below is our general outlook of possible impacts from this system over the weekend. Keep in mind, however, that forecast changes are likely in the days ahead, depending on the exact track of the storm and its intensity.

Friday: Snow Spreads Into Mountain West

• Heavy snow could affect the Sierra Nevada, while rain, possibly heavy, falls across the lower elevations of California.
• Snow may also spread eastward throughout the Great Basin and into the northern Rockies by Friday night.
• Lowering snow levels are likely as the storm passes through the West.
• FORECAST: Bend, Oregon | Boise, Idaho | Tahoe City, California

Friday's Forecast

Saturday and Saturday Night: West Wintry Mess Spreads Into the Plains

• Snow, heavy in spots, will continue throughout the mountain West as the storm pushes east.
• This includes higher elevations of the Desert Southwest and southern California, as well.
• Many valley locations of the Great Basin are also likely to see snow with colder air pushing into the region.
• Late Saturday and especially Saturday night, snow is likely to push into the northern Plains. Freezing rain or sleet may impact a swath south of the main area of snow as far east as the upper Mississippi Valley.
• The snow could be accompanied by increasing winds, leading to low visibility and poor travel conditions.
• FORECAST: Billings, Montana | Salt Lake City | Flagstaff, Arizona

Christmas Eve Forecast (Saturday)

(MORE: 10-Day Forecast Maps)

Sunday: Snow, Wind May Hammer the Northern Plains Christmas Day

• Snow is likely in the northern Plains and Rockies.
• Blizzard conditions are possible in the northern Plains (Dakotas, northwest Minnesota).
• A mix of sleet or freezing rain could affect locations just south and east of the snow, from the northern Plains to the upper Mississippi Valley and Great Lakes.
• The southern side of this storm system could also feature some thunderstorms, some of which may be severe.
• By Sunday night, a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain may move into parts of upstate New York and New England.
• FORECAST: Chicago | Bismarck, North Dakota | Minneapolis | Burlington, Vermont

Christmas Day Forecast (Sunday)

Monday: Snow, Freezing Rain, Sleet Possible in Northern Great Lakes, New England

• Leftover snow is possible in parts of the northern Plains and northern Minnesota.
• Strong winds may lead to considerable blowing and drifting snow in these areas, with blizzard conditions possible.
• Some snow, freezing rain or sleet may persist in the northern Great Lakes, northern New England and upstate New York.
• FORECAST: Fargo, North Dakota | Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan | Bangor, Maine

Monday's Forecast

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