- A change in the upper level pattern is expected over the next week.
- This change in pattern will bring an end to the recent record warmth in the northern tier.
- There is also a break in the wet pattern that has taken over the West Coast.
If you're looking for a change in the weather, you might be in luck – a pattern change is coming.
Current style
There was a swelling jet stream, specifically a northward swell over parts of the central and eastern United States with a southward retreat over the west.
This has led to record highs and warm lows in many locations in the Midwest and Northeast this week. It also brought a continuing wet and cold pattern to the west.
Next style
The jet stream pattern will change – by the second half of next week, it will become more zonal, meaning less amplified and generally move from west to east. By the end of next week, the pattern may end with a bottom in the east.
An upper high will replace a low of low pressure near the West Coast, while an upper low may influence weather across the northern and eastern United States.
(192 Hours: Boost your forecast even further with our detailed hour-by-hour breakdown for the next eight days – only available on our website Premium Pro experience.)
What temperature changes will this bring?
This will put an end to near-record warm temperatures. Temperatures will generally remain above average, but closer to average.
Highs in the Midwest and Northeast will return to the 30s and 40s, while the South can expect highs in the 50s and 60s.
Temperatures will warm slightly in the Southwest, returning closer to average rather than slightly below average.
Temperature forecast for next week
What about rainfall?
A drier pattern will also develop across much of the West next week. However, there are signs that heavy rain and snow could return to California and the Southwest on Presidents Day weekend. However, the Northwest will likely continue to see a chance of rain and mountain snow.
Much of the central and eastern United States will be dry after the system exits the Northeast early next week. There will be some disturbances that may lead to some rain and snow falling on the northern regions, and wet conditions may return to parts of the south late next week.
(More: Weekly planner)
This pattern may continue until late February
The return to winter pattern will likely extend into late February.
Temperatures will likely be cooler than average across much of the East, South and in the northern Plains on Presidents Day weekend and possibly the following week.
Temperatures will likely be above average along the West Coast during this time frame.
Temperature forecast
(Issued by NOAA)
Linda Lam is Weather.com's lead meteorologist. Growing up in Massachusetts, she developed a passion for winter storms and tornadoes that led her to pursue a career in meteorology.
The Weather Company's primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment, and the importance of science in our lives.
