A sharp weather divide is taking shape across the United States this week, with springlike warmth spreading through the Central and Southeastern regions while the Northeast remains locked in winter’s grip. Meteorologists say the stark contrast is being driven by a northward bulge in the jet stream, setting the stage for record-challenging temperatures, wildfire risks, and renewed winter storms.
Central and Southern States Bask in Unseasonable Warmth
Across the Plains and Mississippi Valley, temperatures are set to climb dramatically, with highs soaring into the 60s, 70s, and even 80s through the weekend. Cities such as Dallas, Oklahoma City, and St. Louis could see conditions that feel more like April than November.
“We’re seeing a strong ridge of high pressure bringing in warm, dry air from the south,” said a senior AccuWeather meteorologist. “This pattern will allow several locations across the Central U.S. to flirt with or even break daily temperature records.”
Texas and Oklahoma are expected to be the warmest, with readings approaching record highs on Friday, while Chicago—still thawing from recent 30-degree temperatures—will rebound into the 60s by Saturday.
The breezy, dry conditions are raising fire weather concerns, particularly across the Plains and western Oklahoma, where dormant grass and vegetation could ignite quickly. Officials are urging residents to avoid outdoor burning and remain alert for local red flag warnings.
Pacific Storm to Bring Heavy Rain and Snow to the West
While much of the heartland enjoys warmth, the West Coast faces the opposite extreme. A powerful Pacific storm is expected to slam into California and the Southwest beginning Thursday, delivering torrential rain, heavy mountain snow, and damaging winds.
The Los Angeles Basin could see 2 to 4 inches of rain, while the surrounding mountains might receive up to 8 inches, prompting flood watches across Southern California. AccuWeather forecasters warn the slow-moving system could dump nearly one-third of Los Angeles’ annual rainfall in just a few days.
“This storm has the potential to produce widespread flooding, debris flows, and mudslides, especially in recent burn areas,” forecasters cautioned.
Further north, Northern California and southern Oregon will experience 2–4 inches of rainfall, while the Sierra Nevada is bracing for several feet of snow above 8,000 feet, potentially disrupting travel along Interstate 80 and Highway 50. Winds could reach 60 mph in coastal and mountain zones, leading to downed trees and power outages.
The storm will move eastward through the weekend, impacting Arizona, Nevada, and Utah, where urban flooding and poor visibility are expected in Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Tucson.
Northeast Remains Locked in Winter Chill
In stark contrast, the Northeast continues to endure winterlike conditions, with clipper-style storms bringing cold air, snow, and icy mix to the region.
The Adirondacks and Green Mountains are expected to pick up light snow accumulations, while parts of New York, Vermont, and northern Pennsylvania could experience freezing rain by the weekend. Another system arriving late Saturday may bring ice and sleet to portions of New England.
Despite sunshine between systems, high temperatures will struggle to reach the 40s in many areas, keeping the region firmly in a winter pattern while the rest of the country warms.
Southeastern States Enjoy a Pre-Holiday Warm-Up
Further south, residents across the Southeast are seeing some of the most pleasant weather in the nation. Atlanta, Nashville, and Charlotte will enjoy highs in the 70s, while Orlando and Tampa could hit near 80 degrees—just in time for the Thanksgiving travel rush.
Forecasters say the mild and dry conditions will make for smooth travel in much of the Southeast, though they warn that humidity and occasional gusty winds may still trigger brush fire concerns in some inland areas.
A Nation Divided by Weather
The dramatic contrast between regions—balmy Central warmth and Northeast chill—is expected to persist into early next week. Meteorologists note that such sharp temperature divides are typical during November transitions, when jet stream patterns amplify and steer storms along contrasting air masses.
The unusual setup will impact energy demand, travel, and commerce, with heating needs rising in the Northeast even as the South and Midwest see air conditioning use spike.
For real-time updates on this developing weather pattern—including live radar maps, travel advisories, and forecast videos—stay with HonkNews.com for the latest verified reports across the U.S.