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The Weather Channel

Pattern change allows millions to warm up before Christmas

The Weather Channel · Just In
The Weather Channel
The Weather Channel
Just In

A pattern change will allow millions to warm up before Christmas. Areas in the Northern Plains that saw temperatures below zero this past weekend will now see highs soar into the 40s Tuesday and Wednesday. The warmth shifts east Wednesday through Friday as the next cold front moves into the Northern Tier, while the Southwest stays very warm.

Breakdown
  • Temperatures rise after a period of frequent snow in the Midwest and Ohio Valley
  • Jet stream shifts to a flatter, zonal pattern, allowing warm air northward 12s
  • Eastern areas remain cold due to lingering snowpack and cold air 30s
  • Temperatures expected to be 10-25°F above average by midweek 38s
  • Up to 283 million people may experience above-average highs, with possible records 46s