Weather extremes should continue across U.S.

January of 2016 is starting off dry across the Inland Northwest as many are welcoming the break from the heavy snow pattern of mid to late December.

Despite the El Nino year, which typically brings much less snow to our region, Coeur d’Alene has now received 40.1 inches of the white stuff for the season. The normal to date is about 30 inches, with close to 70 inches for the entire season.

Precipitation for 2015 in Coeur d’Alene ended up at 26.44 inches, compared to the seasonal normal of 26.77 inches of rain and melted snow. We had a whopping 7.24 inches of moisture in December which helped ease or even break the drought.

The long-range computer models continue to have chilly weather, but there will be occasional snow showers before rain and wet snow increase across the region next week as milder air moves in from the south. Cliff and I believe that we’ve seen the biggest stretch of snowfall of the winter season. However, we expect to see more snow across the Inland Northwest around the full moon cycle of Jan. 23 through Jan. 30.

There seems to be a pattern with milder conditions in the early to mid portions of November and December with snow falling toward the end of both months. This month should be similar as we see milder weather with rain and wet snow around the middle of January before changing to snow toward the end of the month. However, we don’t expect to see snowfall totals like we did in late December.

With winter in full swing, there have been more incredible weather extremes across the country. Record flooding has been seen in the Midwest with tornado outbreaks in the South. These types of events are rare during this time of year. In case you were wondering what the rest of the winter season has to offer for the U.S., here are our latest forecasts.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST AND SOUTHWESTERN CANADA: Heavy snows blanketed the Inland Northwest with moderate to heavy rainfall in late December across the Northwest. More snowfall is expected toward the end of January and the end of February with seasonal totals expected to be near to below normal. There’s still the possibility of ice storms into early February thanks to the warm El Nino event. Northern California has also seen an increase in much-needed valley rain and mountain snow, with more expected this winter season. However, most of the moisture should fall farther to the south in February and March.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND THE DESERT SOUTHWEST: Most of California continues to suffer through a major drought that has led to heavy water restrictions across the state. With the strong El Nino, flooding rains are expected in Southern California later this month or February that will likely lead to mudslides. Milder than normal temperatures should decrease the snowpacks in the mountain regions in the southern part of California.

NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS, THE MIDWEST AND SOUTH-CENTRAL CANADA: The next few months should be milder than normal with generally near to below normal precipitation. There is still the chance of an ice storm through February as El Nino is expected to have an influence of global weather patterns. There may be brief periods of heavy snowfalls, but annual snow totals should remain below average. More cold weather is expected around the end of January and the end of February.

CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN U.S. GREAT PLAINS: This region has seen extreme weather this year with drought, floods and tornadoes in December. The rest of the winter season should have above normal precipitation as El Nino’s influence enhances the sub-tropical jet stream. Temperatures should average above normal into February with normal readings in March.

NORTHEASTERN U.S. AND SOUTHEASTERN CANADA: It was wet and warm across this region thanks to El Nino. Buffalo, N.Y. broke its all-time record for the latest date that snow was reported. More wet weather is expected for the winter of 2015-16, but totals should end up close to normal as the heavier amounts of moisture are expected to fall to the south. There is also the chance of ice storms into February. Snowfall should also remain below normal into February, but may increase a bit during the second half of the season.

SOUTHEASTERN U.S.: After flooding rains in December, more above normal moisture is expected into February as the sub-tropical jet stream gains strength. Conditions may turn a bit drier than normal during the second half of winter as El Nino is forecast to weaken. Temperatures in the Southeast should continue to be above normal levels.