Above Average Temperatures for the West and Central Plains; Lake Effect Snow Continues

Well above average temperatures will prevail across the Plains and the West Coast this week, while a cold front will bring Arctic air to the South and East Coast Thursday and Friday. Lake effect snow is forecast downwind of the Great Lakes through Thursday along and behind the Arctic front, as well as mountain snow across the Southern Appalachians. Read More >

Temperatures were above average across the entire region this January, while precipitation and snowfall were variable across the region. For much of northeast Minnesota, particularly the Iron Range and areas north, precipitation was below average. Northwest Wisconsin and extending towards the Twin Ports, precipitation was above average. January 2023 was in some ways an opposite to December 2022, which saw below normal temperatures and nearly uniformly above average precipitation. Abnormally dry conditions previously present over northwest Wisconsin are no longer present for the most part.

The Climate Prediction Center is forecasting equal chances for above or below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation in the 1 to 3 month outlooks.