Critical Fire Weather in the High Plains and Midwest; Heavy Snow in the Western Mountains and Northern Plains

Gusty winds and low relative humidity will bring critical fire weather to the central/southern High Plains and portions of the Midwest. Two Pacific storms will continue to bring heavy mountain snow and gusty winds to the western U.S. through Thursday. A swath of wintry weather, including heavy snow and a wintry mix, is expected from the Northern Plains to New England. Read More >

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Last Map Update: Wed, Feb 18, 2026 at 6:54:41 am PST

Watches, Warnings & Advisories

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National Weather Service San Joaquin Valley, CA

National Weather Service Los Angeles, CA

Winter Storm Warning

Avalanche Warning

Gale Warning

Extreme Cold Warning

Winter Weather Advisory

Cold Weather Advisory

Coastal Flood Advisory

High Surf Advisory

Small Craft Advisory

Wind Advisory

Gale Watch

Extreme Cold Warning/Cold Weather Advisory

High Surf Advisory

Winter Weather Advisory

Tonight's Cold Weather Advisory has been extended to cover the Santa Clara Valley and the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the Extreme Cold Warning has been expanded to the eastern Santa Clara Mountains. All cold weather products remain in effect from midnight tonight through 9 AM Wednesday. An Extreme Cold Warning is in effect tonight for the eastern Santa Clara Mountains, the Santa Lucia range, and the interior mountains of Monterey and San Benito Counties due to very cold conditions with temperatures as low as 24 expected. A Cold Weather Advisory has also been issued for the North Bay Interior Mountains and Valleys, the Santa Clara Valley, and the Santa Cruz Mountains due to cold conditions with temperatures as low as 34 expected. Cold conditions will be hazardous to sensitive populations such as unhoused individuals. Cold conditions may damage or kill sensitive crops, plants, and vegetation if appropriate precautions are not taken. Prolonged exposure to the cold conditions will lead to hypothermia.

HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT from 3 AM Wednesday to 9 AM PST Friday for Large breaking waves of 18 to 22 feet, with increased risk of sneaker waves and strong rip currents along the Pacific Coast. Expect dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion can be expected. Sneaker waves can sweep across the shoreline without warning, pulling people into the sea from rocks, jetties and beaches. Large breaking waves can overpower swimmers resulting in significant physical injury and increase the risk of drowning. Swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers, rocks, and other waterside infrastructure. Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous surf and NEVER turn your back on the ocean. Monitor local weather, surf and tide forecasts at www.weather.gov/mtr.

❄️ Winter Weather Advisory for Higher Elevations Now Extended into the eastern Santa Clara mountains! Snow is expected to accumulate above 3,000 feet in the Santa Lucia Mountains and the mountains of San Benito and eastern Santa Clara Counties. Total snow accumulations of 4–10 inches are forecast, with the highest peaks potentially receiving up to 25 inches. 🗓 Timing: Now through 4 PM Wednesday in Monterey and San Benito Counties 6 AM Tuesday to 4 PM Wednesday in Santa Clara County Impacts & Safety: • Slick, snow-covered roads and hiking trails • Heavier snow showers may reduce visibility • Downed trees and isolated power outages possible If traveling through higher elevations, be prepared for winter driving conditions and rapidly changing visibility.

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Critical Fire Weather in the High Plains and Midwest; Heavy Snow in the Western Mountains and Northern Plains

NWS Forecast Office San Francisco, CA