Big Picture Weather Pattern (October 9-13):

1) Western U.S. – More of the same as a ridge of high pressure remains in place, resulting in unseasonable warmth along with dry conditions. Wildfire smoke will continue to impact portions of the Intermountain West. 

2) Canada & Alaska – A series of Pacific storms will impact the coastal ranges and to a lesser extent the interior ranges, bringing heavy snow to Alaska especially. Snow levels will be relatively high across Southern Canada. 

3) Northeast – Below-average temperatures will take hold with several rounds of showers impacting New England and Upstate New York. Light snow will fall across the higher peaks of the Whites and Adirondacks.

4) Hurricane Milton – This major hurricane remains on track to make landfall on the west coast of Florida on Wednesday night with significant impacts expected. We are sending our best wishes to everyone in Florida. This storm will track eastward out to sea in the Atlantic, and will not impact the Southern Appalachians who are still reeling from the devastation caused by Helene. 

Forecast for Wed (Oct 9) to Thu (Oct 10):

A storm will impact the Northwest with heavy snow for SE Alaska, while lighter snow totals will be confined to the higher terrain of Southern Canada and the Washington Cascades. A weak disturbance moving into the Central Rockies could produce some isolated showers, including flurries over the higher peaks of Colorado.

Light showers will develop over New England and Upstate New York with snow levels (the rain/snow line) dipping as low as 3,000-3,500 feet on Thursday. Light snow accumulations are possible over the higher peaks.

Forecast for Fri (Oct 11) to Sat (Oct 12):

Out west, the storm track will shift further north with a drying trend across BC and Washington, while a strong storm will bring heavy snow to Alaska. New England will see another chance of light showers on Saturday, but temperatures will be warmer and snow levels higher. 

Forecast for Sun (Oct 13) to Mon (Oct 14):

Another storm will bring snow to Alaska, and the storm track will shift southward over time with rain developing across Western BC where snow levels will be quite high (well above ski resort summits).

A more substantial storm will impact the Northeast, bringing widespread rain from the Great Lakes to New England. Colder air will also arrive on Monday with the higher peaks picking up another round of light snow as snow levels dip as low as 3,000 feet. 

Outlook for Tue (Oct 15) to Sat (Oct 19):

High pressure will remain the dominant pattern across the Western U.S. but should gradually weaken over time with a weak storm system possibly bringing some light showers to the Interior West around October 16-17.

Also, the Pacific Northwest will see increasing chances of precipitation toward the end of this period as the jet stream starts to dip southward. Further north, storms will continue to bring rain and snow to Alaska and BC with greater regularity. 

Across the East, a cooler airmass will take hold with periods of wet weather possible across the Northeast, including the potential for high-elevation snow. 

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Friday (October 11).

Alan Smith