Opposite Weather Patterns for the Northeast and the Southwest

While the northeastern corner of the country will be dealing with the return of winter weather, the Desert Southwest will experience the first triple-digit readings of the year this week. Here is a look at this completely different forecast for two opposite corners of the country.

Tale of Two Weather Patterns in Opposite Corners of the Country

The Southwest will be sizzling this week as the Northeast sees the temperatures struggle to eclipse the freezing mark at times. In addition to the frigid air spilling into the northern tier of the country, some communities in the interior Northeast and the Great Lakes will also see the threat of snow squalls.

A northward bulge in the jet stream across the western U.S. will pair with a southward plunge in the eastern half of the country to set the stage for the contrasting conditions. This atmospheric positioning will support the buildup of warmth to the south as heat filters up from Mexico. Conversely, cold air coming down to the south from Canada will support the development of wintry conditions in the Northeast and beyond.