Natgas Weekly Analysis 14-17 JanArctic Air Outbreak Anticipated for Much of the Central, Eastern, and Southern U.S.
After a brief warm up to end the week, a strong cold front will usher in a dangerously cold Arctic air mass east of the Rockies. Much below normal temperatures are forecast to first arrive in the Northern Plains this weekend and then dive southward and eastward over the following days.
(a) During the January 19-23 period*, most of the Lower 48 will likely experience below normal temperatures. The highest probabilities are in the Central, Eastern, and Southern U.S., with greater than 80% odds over much of those regions.
(b) Hazardous cold temperatures and wind chills are anticipated east of the Rockies. Sub-zero temperatures are possible in the Northern Plains, Great Lakes, Midwest, and interior New England. Well-below freezing temperatures are likely as far south as the Gulf Coast.
While some moderation in temperatures may occur during the middle of next week, the overall pattern is anticipated to remain favorable for additional cold air outbreaks into the Lower 48 to close the month of January. Frozen precipitation is also possible in locations where moisture interacts with the cold air. However, the timing, location, and intensity of any winter storms during Week-2 are uncertain at this time.
