Frigid North, Milder South: US Weather Pattern This Week

National Overview: Frigid East, Milder South, and Western Shifts

• Eastern U.S. (Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Great Lakes): Extremely cold air remains locked in place due to the polar vortex, with much below-normal temperatures expected through much of the week and into mid-February. High risks of hazardous cold persist, especially early in the week, with wind chills making it feel dangerously colder. A gradual moderation may begin later in the week, but another cold surge could hit around February 8–11 according to forecasts.
• Northern and Central Plains/Midwest: Below-normal temperatures dominate, with ongoing cold from the Upper Mississippi Valley and Great Plains. Some areas may see light snow or mixed precipitation as stormier patterns develop.
• Southern U.S. (Southeast, Gulf Coast, Texas, Southwest): Warmer-than-average conditions prevail, with many locations enjoying above-normal highs. This provides a stark contrast to the north, and some regions could approach early spring-like feels.
• Western U.S. (Pacific Northwest, Northern Rockies): A potential pattern change is emerging, with strengthening Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) signals favoring above-normal precipitation in the Pacific Northwest, Northern Rockies, and adjacent High Plains. This could bring much-needed snow to snow-starved areas like western Montana, Idaho, and northern Wyoming after a drier start to winter.
• California and Desert Southwest: Likely to remain warm and relatively dry, with below-normal precipitation probabilities continuing.

Precipitation remains mixed: Wetter-than-average odds for northern tiers (including potential snow/ice threats in the Plains and Mississippi Valley), while drier conditions favor the southern tier, including parts of the Southeast and Southwest.

This Week’s Key Weather Highlights (February 2–8, 2026)

• Early Week (Feb 2–4): Groundhog Day (Feb 2) brings a brief warm-up in some central and eastern spots before colder air returns. Light snow possible in parts of the Midwest and Northeast mid-week. Frigid mornings with teens to low 20s in many northern/eastern areas.
• Mid-Week to Weekend (Feb 5–8): Continued cold in the east with risks of much below-normal temps. Western storm track energizes, increasing chances for precipitation in the Northwest and Rockies. Southern states stay milder.
• Hazards to Watch: Extreme cold and wind chills in the Northeast/Upper Mid-Atlantic (high risk early next week per CPC outlooks), potential light snow/ice in central regions, and coastal winds in some areas.

This week’s setup fits broader February 2026 trends: Arctic cold lingers in the north (especially Northeast and upper Midwest), while the south sees spring-like warmth. The polar vortex is expected to keep the eastern U.S. frigid for much of the month, though weakening La Niña influences may allow western wetter patterns to develop.

For the most accurate local forecasts, check the National Weather Service (weather.gov), AccuWeather, or The Weather Channel, as conditions can shift with new model runs. Stay prepared with winter safety tips—layer up, monitor wind chills, and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure in cold snaps.

This article is based on reports from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, National Weather Service, AccuWeather, USA Today, and other sources as of early February 2026. Weather is dynamic; always verify with official updates.

Published on www.clickusanews.com – Your trusted source for U.S. news, weather updates, business, and more for Americans.

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