AccuWeather Daily

Colder air is returning to the central and eastern U.S. as the polar vortex becomes more active, bringing fluctuating temperatures, periodic snow and the potential for a deeper cold blast late this month.

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Temperatures may be 20 degrees below historical average later this week across the Southeast with a frost or freeze likely in areas of Florida.

Also, a shift in the weather pattern will send rounds of cold air and snow to the Northeast, with the first wave arriving later this week.

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If the climate trends continue, they are likely to have major impacts on the U.S. economy, our food and water supply, human comfort levels, energy needs and the health and welfare of citizens over the coming decades.  

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In addition, NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is examining a newly discovered cloud of gas and dark matter that may represent a long-predicted but never-before-observed “failed” galaxy

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A moisture plume from near Hawaii is set to bring heavy rain, flooding and avalanche risks to British Columbia, Washington and southeastern Alaska, raising concerns after recent flooding events and excessive snowfall.

Also, unseasonable warmth will linger across the eastern U.S. into the weekend before colder air pushes back in waves, as AccuWeather meteorologists monitor the potential for Atlantic coastal snowstorms next week.

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From faster permits to new defensible space rules, AccuWeather's Emilee Speck writes that California is racing to reduce wildfire risk following one of the costliest disasters in U.S. history.

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Storms sweeping across the western U.S. will bring heavy mountain snow, cold rain and wet snow at lower elevations and travel disruptions from the Northwest to the Southwest. Santa Ana winds will follow the storm.

Also, snow and ice will bring areas of slippery travel to the Northeast midweek before a large late-week storm spreads rain, snow and thunderstorms with major travel problems across much of the central and eastern U.S.

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For the second year in a row, tornado reports were above average in 2025, but regional shifts meant some states got more than others.

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Those struggling with high heating bills due to relentless cold and sore backs from shoveling snow in the Midwest and Northeast will soon catch a break as a change in the weather pattern takes place.

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A kayaker briefly scooped up by a whale, viral bald eagles at Big Bear Lake and one very unlucky cicada made for some of 2025’s most memorable animal moments.

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As cold keeps its grip in the northeastern part of the United States, rounds of snow will continue to cause travel problems in portions of a dozen states into early next week.

Also, big rain is poised to renew flash flooding in Northern California in the coming days. As freezing levels plunge and feet of snow pile up in the high country, travel over Donner Pass, California, may shut down.

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The Alaskan city of Juneau has seen nearly a season's worth of snow this December, sinking boats in the harbor and threatening roof collapses and avalanches.

Also, flu cases are climbing across the United States as the season reaches its peak, and millions of people may get sick in the weeks ahead. If you catch the flu early, antiviral medications can help shorten how long symptoms last and reduce the risk of serious complications.

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Plan on ringing in 2026 at Times Square in New York City, or at any outdoor event in the Midwest and Northeast Wednesday evening? Bundle up to avoid a trip to the emergency room for hypothermia or frostbite.

Whether heading out of town for hundreds of miles or just a few to the town center for New Year's celebrations, there will be some trouble spots in the United States due to snow, wind, cold and rain.

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A fresh blast of Arctic air will send temperatures tumbling by as much as 60 degrees, with biting winds sending AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures below zero. Snow will accompany the frigid conditions in some areas.

Also, the Quadrantid meteor shower reaches its peak just after sunset on Jan. 3, but a nearly full moon could outshine the event this year.

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Whether heading out of town for hundreds of miles or just a few to the town center for New Year's celebration, there will be some trouble spots in the United States due to snow, wind, cold and rain.

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A second storm in just three days' time will bring another round of wintry weather across a large swath of the central and eastern US beginning Sunday, with the added risk for strong winds to interrupt travel.

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Flash flooding and mudslide risks continue in Northern California and will rise in Southern California through Christmas Day as heavy snow blocks Sierra Nevada roads. Just days after deadly flooding struck Redding, California, the state is now bracing for a new round of rain, resulting in evacuations that last through Christmas Day.

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Scientific divers have navigated a series of treacherous dives more than 330 feet deep in an attempt to unravel the mysteries of deep ocean reefs.

Also, Betty Reid Soskin began her service as a ranger at the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park at age 85.

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With cold air on the retreat from all but the northern tier and mountains of the West, the opportunity is there for some incredible warmth around the Christmas holiday which may have some wearing short sleeves outside.

Also, a new study found a more than 200% rise in health problems requiring emergency medical attention after the January 2025 fires in Los Angeles County.

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The wildlife overpass in Douglas County, Colorado, spans Interstate 25 and connects 39,000 acres of habitat, allowing elk, deer, bears, mountain lions and other animals to cross safely.

Also, NOAA’s Arctic Report Card shows more than 200 Arctic watersheds in Alaska’s Brooks Range have begun “rusting.”

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A powerful storm with high winds and heavy rain will lead to travel problems in the Northeast, before colder air and snow sweep in later for some areas late this week.

The latest storm in the pineapple express will focus on Oregon into Friday evening. Some streams and rivers will quickly surge to major flood levels, posing risks to lives and property.

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A White Christmas is a guarantee in the Rockies and near the Great Lakes, but hopes for snow in the central and eastern U.S. will hinge on a storm moving through just before the holidays.

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More heavy rain is expected through late week as saturated ground and swollen rivers raise the threat of widespread flooding.

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As the weather flips from cold to warm and back this week, a storm may hinder early Christmas travel in the eastern United States with areas of rain, fog, ice and perhaps more snow. Experts with AAA say car travel will dominate through New Year’s, driven by lower gas prices compared to last holiday season. For the first time in four years, the national average price per gallon dropped below $3 just in time for peak Christmas travel.

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Following a very wet pattern last week, AccuWeather forecasters warn that additional rain is on the way for the Northwest this week that will heighten the risk for widespread flooding.

Also, the dramatically cold weather and dangerous conditions gripping the Central and Eastern states will ease up this upcoming week. How long will the reprieve last, and will it hurt chances for a white Christmas?

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Under perfect conditions, up to 120 meteors per hour could shoot across the night sky this Saturday and Sunday when the Geminids reach their peak.

Also, veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Coates writes for The Spruce Pets that not all dogs need winter jackets, but many do. Dogs that benefit the most include small breeds, puppies, senior dogs, and pets with health conditions. Short-haired breeds or any dog in the miniature category may also need an extra layer when temperatures drop.

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For the second time in two years, one of the driest places on Earth has a lake following the wettest November since record-keeping began in 1911.

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While the Rockies are behind, parts of the Midwest and New England are seeing a blockbuster snow season.

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Chicago, Detroit, Des Moines, Iowa, and even Richmond, Virginia, have picked up accumulating snow so far this year--but when will it be New York City's, Philadelphia's and Boston's turn? The clock may be ticking down.

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A pair of atmospheric rivers will unleash many inches of rain and trigger major flooding in parts of western Washington and Oregon through the middle of this week. More storms will follow past the middle of December.

Also, more Arctic air is building over northern Canada and will be directed into the United States, courtesy of the polar vortex. How long will the cold waves last? Will it stay cold through Christmas?

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Successive storms early this week and beyond will trigger flooding, landslides and high winds in the mountains, with impacts that may cascade into regional air and highway travel through the busy holiday period.

More Arctic air is building over northern Canada and will be directed into the United States, courtesy of the polar vortex. How long will the cold waves last? Will it stay cold through Christmas?

AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures plunged to 73 below zero atop New Hampshire’s tallest mountain Thursday night as a storm roared through the Northeast.

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The best chance of seeing snow on Christmas morning remains in the mountains and northern United States, but here are the most likely big cities that could see snow on Dec. 25.

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Proven ways to keep your Christmas tree fresh

•Hydrate consistently: Never let the stand run dry
•Avoid heat sources: Keep tree away from fireplaces, vents or radiators. Warm air dries the tree out quickly.
•Lower room temperature: Slightly cooler indoor air helps slow needle drop.
•Use LED lights: They emit less heat than incandescent lights, which helps the tree retain moisture.

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A late-November cold snap sent temperatures in Minneapolis so low that, for a short time, it was actually colder than Mars, according to readings from NASA’s Curiosity rover.

Mason County technical rescue teams were able to reach the driver hanging about 100 feet off the ground after he lost control and went over the edge of an overpass during snow and icy conditions.

Dangerous snow squalls will sweep from the Great Lakes region to the Northeast states into Thursday evening, raising the risk of multiple vehicle accidents due to rapidly deteriorating conditions on the highways.

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A shifting polar vortex will allow multiple rounds of Arctic air to invade the central and eastern United States through the first half of December. The cold waves will be accompanied by opportunities for accumulating snow.

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Two cities had their biggest November snowfalls in history, while more than 10,000 flights were delayed for those going home on the holiday weekend. The polar vortex is on the move with its Arctic blasts, but so are storms packing snow and ice. The weather pattern setting up over the next couple of weeks will be very winterlike in the Central and Northeastern states.

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From a bright supermoon to the Geminid meteor shower, December is filled with must-see astronomy events. Here's when and how to see each celestial sight.

Also, December's first week will feature multiple rounds of wintry weather in the Midwest and Northeast, starting with a sprawling storm which will bring several cities their first accumulating snow of the season by Tuesday.

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A high-impact storm that will stretch from the Rockies to the Great Lakes this weekend, bringing heavy snow ice and severe weather to more than a dozen states — and major travel disruptions.

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Witnessing a seiche is like looking at a hurricane's storm surge and waves - but it can happen during the winter, tossing heavy snow or lake ice into the mix.

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November isn't prime season for Texas tornadoes, but one touched down in northwest Houston Monday, damaging 100 homes and causing a gas leak.

In other news, the most widespread lake-effect snow event so far this season will cause major disruptions around Thanksgiving, with an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 36 inches.

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Paradegoers can expect sunshine and a chill in the air, but gusty winds may make it tough for some of the parade’s most famous balloons to take flight.

Elsewhere, several inches of rain falling over a few days through Thanksgiving will slow motorists during the busiest travel week of the year, as a surge of moisture arrives ashore from the Pacific.

Lake-effect snow, gusty winds and sudden squalls will to impact post-holiday travelers from the Great Lakes to the Northeast, creating slick and hazardous conditions Friday. Snow will also streak across the Plains.

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A weather instrument dropped from a Hurricane Hunter plane during Hurricane Melissa measured the highest winds on record for such an instrument.

Also, mosses are known to thrive in some of Earth’s harshest environments, from Death Valley’s scorching heat to the freezing peaks of mountains. Now, researchers have discovered that this tiny green plant can even survive the vacuum of space.

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The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season brought 13 named storms and five hurricanes, including Hurricane Melissa, which devastated Jamaica as a Category 5.

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A strong storm sweeping from Texas into Tennessee will bring several inches of rain, flash flooding and rounds of severe thunderstorms with hail and a high wind threat into Friday.

Also, the summits of Hawaii were covered in white this week, but snow in the mountains there isn't as unusual as you might think

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A storm will impact much of the eastern two-thirds of the United States during the busiest travel times ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday as millions hit the highways and head for the airports.

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The narrow corridor of mixed rain and snow shifted east-southeast Tuesday night. Some areas cooled long enough for plain snow to fall and accumulate across portions of Pennsylvania. This mix will continue into early Wednesday in portions of Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey, southeastern New York and perhaps southwestern Connecticut before temperatures rise and precipitation moves offshore.

AccuWeather meteorologists are warning that heavy rain spreading across parts of the central United States from today to Friday will create hazardous travel conditions, but it could also bring some benefits to areas experiencing drought. Severe thunderstorms are also expected in parts of the region.

Shifting focus to the Middle East, Iranian authorities have begun cloud-seeding operations to induce rainfall and combat a severe water crisis. It has been the driest fall in half a century.

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-The northernmost town in North America will say goodbye to daylight this week as it enters its annual polar night. Residents won't see the sun again until Jan. 22, 2026.

-During the Nov. 11–12 solar storm, Russian cosmonauts temporarily relocated their sleeping quarters as a precaution against increased radiation exposure, NASA confirmed.

-A family was swept into the ocean Friday around noon near Garrapata State Park, about 8 miles south of Monterey, California, as one of the most powerful storms in months hit California. According to the local sheriff's office, the father jumped into the powerful waves to save his 7-year-old daughter, but both were swept out to sea.

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A future storm may end the south-central United States dry stretch this week, with the potential for 2-4 inches of rain and localized flooding.

In addition, rain and mountain snow is forecast for portions of the West Coast as the week goes on, with only brief breaks in between for the storm-weary residents.

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A new clipper storm will bring bursts of snow, gusty winds and slippery travel to parts of the Northeast. As more cold air pours in from Canada, more lake-effect snow will unfold later in the weekend to early next week.

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The weekend will draw to a close with the Leonids, one of the final meteor showers of the year and one that has a rich history of memorable outbursts.

Also, USDA data shows bird flu cases have surged this fall, particularly among turkeys — the holiday main course. Experts warn that the outbreak could push up prices leading up to Thanksgiving.

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