Winter Weather Forecast 2026: Northeast to Warm Slightly as Cold Air Targets the West

A Pacific air shift will ease winter in the Northeast and South while colder conditions and new storms threaten the western U.S.

 

 A shifting winter pattern brings milder air east and colder conditions west in February 2026.

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES.— Parts of the country are expected to see a temporary break from the harsh winter weather that has dominated much of January, as milder Pacific air advances eastward in the coming days. Forecasters say the shift will bring relief to the Northeast and South, where recent storms delivered snow, ice and prolonged cold snaps. However, the same pattern is forecast to usher colder conditions into parts of the western United States, potentially altering snowpack levels and storm activity.

Meteorologists at AccuWeather say the atmospheric transition could reshape temperature trends nationwide over the next two weeks. While some regions benefit from moderation, others may face renewed winter impacts.

Pacific Air Mass Brings a Temperature Rebound in the East

Senior meteorologist Alex Sosnowski of AccuWeather said air originating over the Pacific Ocean will gradually move across the country, softening the bitter cold that has gripped the Northeast.

The incoming air mass is expected to push temperatures closer to seasonal averages. In some cities, daytime highs may feel noticeably warmer compared to recent Arctic outbreaks. However, Sosnowski cautioned that the warming trend may create secondary hazards.

“While this will bring a much-needed break from frigid conditions and it may feel warmer than it actually is, it can create problems due to thaw-and-freeze cycles, foggy episodes and storms that bring areas of freezing rain, sleet and wet snow,” he said.

Thaw-and-freeze cycles can weaken infrastructure, worsen potholes and create slick roadways during overnight temperature drops. Areas that accumulated heavy snow in late January could also see melting that leads to localized flooding before refreezing occurs.

Potential Clipper Storm Could Affect Great Lakes and Northeast

Even as milder air arrives, forecasters are tracking a possible “clipper” system that may move through parts of the Great Lakes and Northeast early in the week.

Senior meteorologist Adam Douty said there is the possibility of a northern-tracking storm bringing snowfall from Monday night into Wednesday. Ski regions in western New York, the Adirondacks and northern New England could see measurable snow accumulation if the system strengthens.

“This storm will be on a surge of less harsh conditions as Arctic air retreats north,” Douty explained.

Clipper systems, typically fast-moving and moisture-limited, can still create hazardous travel conditions. Depending on the exact track, snow totals could vary significantly from one state to another.

Despite this, many Northeast cities are forecast to see temperatures rise into the 40s from Tuesday into Wednesday. While not unusually warm for February, such readings represent a marked improvement from subfreezing conditions experienced during recent cold waves.

The South Sees the Most Noticeable Relief

The southern United States is expected to benefit more substantially from the warming trend.

Meteorologists say warm air building over the southern Plains will be transported eastward toward the Atlantic Coast. High temperatures across parts of the Southeast could rebound into the 50s, 60s and even 70s later in the week.

According to Sosnowski, Atlanta may approach 70 degrees for the first time since early January, signaling a dramatic shift from recent cold spells.

The South recently endured significant winter weather impacts. Snowfall stretched across North Carolina, and parts of Florida experienced one of their most intense cold snaps in decades, according to AccuWeather meteorologists.

The return of milder temperatures may help reduce energy demand and ease strain on transportation networks. However, rapid warming following snow and ice events could still lead to slick conditions during overnight freezes.

Western States Brace for a Pattern Shift

While the East and South trend warmer, the West could see a reversal of recent conditions.

Meteorologist Kai Kerkow noted that a high-pressure system parked over California — which has largely suppressed winter storms — appears likely to weaken.

“This change in the pattern will be beneficial for California’s snowpack and reservoirs, as the snowpack is running well below average across much of the state,” Kerkow said.

A weakening ridge of high pressure may allow colder air and new storm systems to enter parts of California and the broader western region. For drought-sensitive areas, increased precipitation could improve water supply outlooks.

However, colder temperatures combined with incoming systems could also bring travel disruptions, especially in higher elevations.

Snowpack and Water Supply Implications

California’s snowpack plays a crucial role in the state’s long-term water management strategy. Snow accumulated in the Sierra Nevada typically melts gradually in spring, replenishing reservoirs.

With snowpack reportedly below average across much of the state, any shift toward more active winter storms could have economic and environmental implications. Agriculture, municipal water systems and hydroelectric generation all depend heavily on seasonal snow accumulation.

Experts caution that one storm system alone would not reverse seasonal deficits. Sustained precipitation would be required to meaningfully change reservoir projections.

Thaw-Freeze Risks and Fog Formation in Transition Zones

As warmer air overrides colder ground temperatures, regions caught in transition zones may experience complex weather conditions.

Thawing snow during daylight hours followed by nighttime freezes can create black ice hazards. In addition, melting snow can introduce excess moisture into the lower atmosphere, increasing the likelihood of fog episodes.

These transitional weather phases often present greater safety risks than steady cold or steady warmth, particularly for commuters and aviation operations.

Motorists in affected regions are advised to remain alert for rapidly changing conditions, even as thermometers climb.

Short-Term Outlook and Evolving Conditions

Forecasters emphasize that late-winter weather patterns can evolve quickly.

While current projections suggest a temporary moderation across the East and South, additional Arctic intrusions later in February cannot be ruled out. Similarly, the West’s transition toward a colder, more unsettled pattern depends on how quickly the high-pressure ridge weakens.

Meteorological models continue to assess the strength and track of upcoming systems. Officials recommend monitoring updated forecasts from the National Weather Service and local authorities.

For now, the coming week represents a transitional period: a welcome reprieve for some Americans, and the beginning of renewed winter impacts for others.

 

By Daniel Harper | CRNTimes.com | New York