Here is a summary of what to expect over the next 5 days:

1) Western U.S. – An anomalously strong ridge of high pressure will lead to dry and sunny conditions along with record-challenging warmth. In fact, some areas could potentially break all-time high temperature records for the month of March. Spring skiing conditions can be expected as a result, while snowpack will also take a hit.

2) Western Canada – A series of warm storms loaded with subtropical moisture will impact BC and Alberta, leading to rising snow levels and a changeover from snow to rain in many areas.

3) Upper Midwest – A strong storm will continue to impact this region through Monday with additional heavy snowfall expected, followed by a weaker follow-up storm with additional light snow on Tuesday-Wednesday.

4) East – A storm will bring rain and thunderstorms to much of the East on Monday, including the potential for severe thunderstorms. But a strong cold front will arrive on the backside of this storm with a changeover to snow showers across the Appalachians. Also, temperatures will be much colder through mid to late week in the wake of the cold front.

Forecast for Monday (March 16):

A storm will bring heavy snow to Western Canada, but snow levels will be on the rise as warmer air arrives. Washington ski resorts will also see a changeover to rain. Further south, light to moderate snow will reach portions of the Northern Rockies. 

A strong storm will continue to impact the Upper Midwest with heavy snow for the UP of Michigan. Heavy snow will also fall across parts of Ontario and Quebec, but some areas will see a changeover to rain as warmer air pushes in from the south.

Rain will also fall across much of the Eastern U.S. on Monday, with many areas also under a risk for severe thunderstorms. However, a cold front will move through from west to east with a changeover to snow showers on the backside of the front across the Appalachians (Mid-Atlantic) into Upstate New York.

Forecast for Tuesday (March 17):

A storm will impact Western Canada, but snow levels will continue to rise with most ski resorts seeing a changeover to rain, even at the mid to upper slopes of higher elevation resorts. 

In the East, snow showers and much colder temperatures can be expected over New England, Quebec, and the Northern Mid-Atlantic. A weaker storm will also move into the Upper Midwest with more snow expected.

Forecast for Wednesday (March 18):

Warm storms will continue to impact Western Canada, bringing rain or a mix to most ski terrain, while heavy snow will be confined to higher elevations. A weak storm will also bring light snow to the Upper Midwest into Ontario.

Forecast for Thursday (March 19):

More of the same can be expected across Western Canada with significant rainfall along with high snow levels, as meaningful snow generally remains confined to areas near or above ski resort summits. A weaker storm will also bring light to moderate snow to Quebec and Eastern Canada.

Forecast for Friday (March 20):

Moisture-laden storms will continue to impact Western Canada. Snow levels should start to come down across the Coast Range of BC as colder air arrives, while the BC Interior and Canadian Rockies will still be in the warm sector and will hang onto higher snow levels.

In the East, light snow will continue to fall across Ontario and Quebec, while Northern New England may also see some light snow showers.

Outlook for Sat (March 21) to Wed (March 25):

Anomalous warmth will persist across the Western U.S. through the weekend before the warmth gradually eases heading into next week.

Snow levels will also come down across Western Canada and Northern Washington, which will have the best chance of seeing snow in this pattern, though the Northern/Central U.S. Rockies may eventually see some light snow later in this period.

A colder airmass looks to hold over the Northeast, and at least some mountain snow is possible during this period. 

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Wednesday (March 18).

Alan Smith