The Weather Channel and the National Weather Service have issued a warning about the impending winter storm named Blair, the first of the 2025 winter season. This significant weather event is expected to start over the weekend and continue into Monday, affecting the Plains, Midwest, and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. Approximately 250 million residents across 40 states may face challenging winter conditions, including snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.
Winter storm Blair is attributed to an Arctic Outbreak, which is influenced by the polar vortex. The polar vortex typically keeps frigid air contained in the Arctic, but this time it’s been dislodged. A couple of high-pressure systems are pushing the jet stream southward, allowing Arctic air to sweep into the lower 48 states. Concurrently, a stationary high-pressure area over Greenland is exacerbating this situation, further driving cold weather southward.
As the storm develops, the northern and central Rockies, as well as the Plains, can expect to see snowfall on Saturday. Additionally, hazardous driving conditions are anticipated in cities like Kansas City, St. Louis, and Wichita due to the wintery mix. The Great Lakes region may experience lake-effect snow enhancement, leading to significant accumulations. By Sunday, states stretching from Oklahoma to West Virginia will also be affected, and by Monday, cities such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh may find themselves under several inches of snow.
Snowfall is expected to cease by the start of the week, but the Arctic Outbreak could persist well into January. States like Texas and Oklahoma may experience unusually low temperatures, even reaching the 20s and 30s. Other locations such as Atlanta and Orlando are expected to face nighttime lows around the freezing mark. The Weather Channel forecasts that certain areas in the Midwest and the mid-Atlantic may have lows dropping as low as 0°F.
Accuweather has reported that this cold air will arrive in several waves, resulting in below-average temperatures across much of the country for several weeks. Snow and ice could penetrate the five Gulf Coast states, and regions from Nebraska to West Virginia may see snowfall accumulations requiring shoveling or plowing. The increased snowfall will also contribute to colder temperatures due to the reflective properties of snow, which bounces sunlight back into space, slowing warming trends.
While this winter storm is a stark reminder of the inherent fluctuations in weather patterns, it does not alter the ongoing issue of climate change. January 2025 is poised to deliver a reminder of winter’s harsh realities, but it also underscores the resilience of communities as they prepare to face these weather challenges.
In this moment, collective preparedness and community support will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in helping affected areas navigate these harsh winter conditions.