Get ready for a cold start to 2025!

After a mild and unsettled pattern to end 2024 and to ring in the new year, some seriously cold air is headed our way! Long range models are increasingly confident in an extended period of significantly colder than average temperatures lasting at least into the middle part of January.

Teleconnections

2 key patterns are emerging that suggest an outbreak of arctic air for the eastern US. A negative NAO (North Atlantic Oscillation) typically allows for arctic air to spill south from Canada. Concurrent is a developing positive PNA (Pacific North American Oscillation). This promotes a colder and potentially stormy pattern for the eastern third of the US.

Prolonged Cold

The forecasted teleconnections point towards a persistent stretch of colder than average temperatures beginning after new year’s day. Average highs for Salisbury in January are in the mid 40s, with average lows in the upper 20s.

Will it Snow?

There is no skill in predicting rain or snow beyond 7 days, and usually the confidence level is very low by 5 days out. However, temperature trends can be accurately predicted many days in advance. Knowing that we will have ample cold air in place for a significant period of time increases the chances of measurable snow to occur.