Chris Dolce
A weather pattern change later this week will spread milder air toward parts of the South and East while also potentially spawning a new storm system in the central U.S.
The week will begin with a southward plunge of the jet stream in the East, which will result in temperatures that are below average for early December. Meanwhile, a northward bulge, or ridge, in the jet stream over the West, Plains and Midwest will bring warmer than average temperatures to many parts of those regions during the first half of the week.
That weather pattern will essentially flip late this week, with a southward plunge of the jet stream forming over the western and central states as the milder ridge migrates toward the eastern states. You can see the general evolution of this pattern change in the animation below.
Here's a broad overview of what this will mean in the week ahead.
Temperature Changes Incoming
The week will begin with a topsy-turvy temperature pattern where areas as far north as eastern Montana and the Dakotas will be milder than the Southeast.
Highs temperatures in the Northern and Central Plains to begin this week will be 15 to 30 degrees above average for early December. Much of the East will have temperatures that are below average to start the week, especially in the Southeast.
For example, Tuesday's high temperature in Rapid City, South Dakota, could be 5 to 10 degrees warmer than Jacksonville, Florida. The average high on Dec. 8 in Jacksonville, Florida (68 degrees), is typically 31 degrees warmer than Rapid City, South Dakota (37 degrees).
Low temperatures will drop into the 40s deep into South Florida by Wednesday morning.
Forecast HighsThe jet stream pattern change will flip the script on this temperature story by Thursday and Friday.
Highs in the 50s will return as far north as the Ohio Valley and mid-Atlantic while many parts of the Southeast warm back into the 60s.
Much of the Northern and Central Plains will see highs plunge back into the 30s and 40s late in the week, which is more typical for this time of year.
(MAPS: Track the Daily Temperature Change)
Forecast Highs This WeekLate Week Storm to Watch?
A large majority of the central and eastern U.S. will have dry conditions during the first half of this week, but that might change beginning on Friday.
That's because the return of a southward plunging jet stream in the West and Plains could lead to the formation of a new storm system in the central U.S. The impacts from this potential stormier setup will depend on the interaction of separate disturbances, one lifting out of the Southwest, and another pushing into the Northwest.
Below is a general look at where rain and/or snow could occur in the central states on Friday. However, keep in mind this forecast will likely change over the next few days since details on the timing, track and intensity of this potential system are uncertain.
Friday's OulookThis system could then go on to affect parts of the eastern states next weekend.
Check back to weather.com for updates on this setup in the week ahead.
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.
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