What is causing the extreme weather across the United States?

An extraordinary atmospheric pattern, driven by a high-pressure system over Greenland, has created a 'blocking pattern' that funnels Arctic air into the eastern U.S. and prevents storms from reaching the West.

How are the eastern and western United States being affected differently?

The eastern U.S. is experiencing prolonged periods of bitter cold and significant snowfall, while the western U.S. is facing unusually dry conditions and diminished snowpack, impacting water resources.

When is the current weather pattern expected to change?

Forecasters expect the current weather pattern to break down by next week, with a potential for warmer temperatures in the East and storms reaching the West.

Home / Weather / US Weather Divide: Frigid East, Dry West Under Arctic Pattern

US Weather Divide: Frigid East, Dry West Under Arctic Pattern

8 Feb

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Summary

A persistent weather pattern has caused extreme cold in the eastern US.
Western states face drought conditions due to a lack of snowpack.
This pattern is expected to shift next week, bringing warmer weather.

US Weather Divide: Frigid East, Dry West Under Arctic Pattern

An extraordinary atmospheric pattern has gripped the United States for weeks, resulting in highly unusual weather extremes. For the eastern two-thirds of the nation, this has meant prolonged periods of bitterly cold temperatures and significant snowfall, with some areas like New York City receiving nearly 14 inches of snow in January alone, far exceeding the monthly average. This frigid air has been funneled south from the Arctic due to a high-pressure system over Greenland, creating a 'blocking pattern' that has disrupted normal weather systems.

Conversely, the western United States has experienced unusually dry conditions. A separate high-pressure system in the West has acted as a barrier, preventing storms from reaching crucial snowpack regions. States such as Oregon, Colorado, and Utah have recorded their lowest snow levels in records dating back to the early 1980s. This lack of snowpack is a serious concern for water resources, particularly for agriculture, which relies heavily on melted snowpack.