Cold weather pattern setting up for most of the U.S.

As we wrap up November and move into the first week of December, it is definitely going to feel like it [like winter] for most of the country.

Cold air continues to build over western and central parts of Canada. A weather pattern that will favor chunks of this cold air bleeding south into the lower-48 is forecast to set up next week [Thanksgiving week] continuing into the weekend and first week of December. Numerical guidance suggests several shots of chilly air will move in. The coldest temperatures [temperatures well below normal] look to impact the northern U.S Rockies, Northern Plains and central parts of the country, the Great Lakes and East [including the Southeast].

The latest temperatures outlook from the Climate Prediction Center agrees and favors below normal temperatures for most of the country from around Thanksgiving and into the first week of December. This is depicted by the blue colors on the graphics below. The medium and dark blue colors indicate a strong likelihood of temperatures leaning below normal while the orange colors depict temperatures leaning above normal. [Please note these maps do not indicate how far above or below normal - but it is likely temperatures will be well below normal for the areas mentioned above - this includes the northern U.S Rockies, Northern Plains and central parts of the country, the Great Lakes and East and Southeast.]

6-10 day temperature outlook

8-14 day temperature outlook

It is probable that moisture will overlap the cold air at times leading to wintry precipitation. It is too early to identify which areas will see what and how much but at this time it appears the Great Lakes, Northeast, Ohio Valley, Midwest, Northeast and Rockies have a good chance to see snow at some point during this timeframe. Some guidance has hinted at the potential for wintry mischief for parts of the South and Southeast [but this is a low probability with high uncertainty] so keep checking back for updates.