Arctic Blast Sweeps the U.S.: Bitter Cold, Snowstorms From Midwest to Northeast and Heavy Rain in the Pacific Northwest

A powerful surge of Arctic air and several fast-moving winter storms will sharpen temperatures and precipitation across large parts of the United States this week. Forecasters warn of sub‑normal readings, accumulating snow in the Midwest and mid‑Atlantic, and an atmospheric river bringing heavy rain and flood watches to parts of the Pacific Northwest.

What To Expect

Temperatures: A blast of Arctic air will push temperatures roughly 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit below average for all areas east of the Mississippi River. The coldest readings on Monday are expected across the Northern Plains, the Upper Midwest and the Great Lakes. Readings should remain cold through Tuesday, with a brief moderation midweek before another cold surge arrives by Friday.

Record Low Risk: Isolated record lows are possible in parts of the Northeast early Tuesday morning, though this air mass is not as extreme as the one that produced several record lows last week.

Winter Storms: Midwest, Great Lakes, Mid‑Atlantic and New England

Several quick-moving storms will affect the central and eastern U.S. at different times this week.

A fast system will move through Monday from Beckley, West Virginia, to Richmond, Virginia, producing 2 to 4 inches of snow, with localized 4 to 5 inches possible across central Virginia — including the Roanoke area. Washington, D.C., is expected to see only light flurries that should taper off by Monday evening.

Another system arrives Tuesday morning in North Dakota and will track across the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes before reaching the interior Northeast and New England on Wednesday. Forecasters expect 4 to 6 inches in Duluth, Green Bay and parts of western Michigan, while Minneapolis, Madison, Milwaukee and Detroit could see up to 2 inches. Minneapolis sits near the dividing line between lighter and heavier snow, so small forecast shifts could change totals for that metro area.

Pacific Northwest: Heavy Rain And Flood Risk

Separately, an atmospheric river will bring heavy rain to western Washington and northwestern Oregon starting Monday and continuing through Wednesday. At least 9 million people are under flood watches. The Olympics and the Cascades could receive about 6 to 10 inches of rain, with localized amounts up to 12 inches in parts of the southern Cascades. Portland can expect roughly 3 to 5 inches, while Seattle may see about 1 to 2 inches.

Impacts And Safety

Winter weather alerts cover at least 12 million people from eastern Kentucky through Virginia into northern North Carolina. Travel may be hazardous in affected regions, with slick roadways, reduced visibility and pockets of heavier snow or flooding. Residents should monitor local forecasts, obey advisories, and prepare for rapidly changing conditions.

Originally published on NBCNews.com