Late-Week Storm Will Bring Rain, Snow, Wind to Plains, Midwest and East

 Linda Lam 

Published: December 8, 2020

A new storm system will develop in the central United States late this week with rain, snow and wind from the Plains and Midwest into the East as a pattern change emerges across the Lower 48.

(MORE: Pattern Change to Spread Milder Temperatures Eastward)

Two disturbances will come together to form the new system. One disturbance will track across the Pacific Northwest into the Plains as an upper-level low moves from the Southwest into the Plains.

Exactly how these two pieces interact remains uncertain and will determine the track, timing and intensity of the new storm.

Two disturbances will lead to the formation of a new system in the central U.S.

Milder air will slide eastward ahead of this system, likely limiting snowfall.

Below is a general look at where rain and/or snow could occur in the central states late this week and into the weekend. Keep in mind that this forecast will likely change over the next few days as the details become clearer.

Late Week-Weekend Outlook

The pieces that'll form this next system might begin to reach the Plains on Thursday night. Snow may fall from the Front Range of the Rockies into the central Plains, with rain from Iowa to Texas.

This developing system will strengthen on Friday as it pushes eastward.

Snow is possible from parts of the Rockies and central Plains into the Great Lakes, but most areas from downstate Illinois int central Missouri and southward will experience rain. A few rumbles of thunder might be heard near the Texas Gulf Coast.

Friday's Outlook

Precipitation will extend eastward Friday night. Winds may also increase as the system intensifies.

Wet weather will stretch from the Midwest and South into the East Saturday and Saturday night. Snow is possible along the northern edge of the precipitation from parts of Kansas and northern Missouri into the western Great Lakes and northern New England, where colder air will be in place.

However, most other locations will see rain, which could be locally heavy. Gusty winds are also anticipated Saturday.

Saturday's Outlook

This system may linger in the East Sunday, with snow or rain changing to snow in parts of the interior Northeast and Appalachians, and rain closer to the Eastern Seaboard.

How Much Snow and Rain?

Accumulating snow from this system is possible in the central and southern Rockies and the adjacent Front Range. There could also be a blanket of snowfall from portions of northern Kansas and southern Nebraska northeastward into the upper Mississippi Valley and the western and northern Great Lakes.

The track of this system is not expected to be conducive for accumulating snow near the East Coast. Light to moderate rainfall is expected for much of the Northeast, Midwest and South through Sunday.

Rain and Snow Outlook

The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.

The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.