Dry and Warm Weather Out West Will Raise Threat of Dangerous Fog

As the eastern two-thirds of the nation grapples with frigid temperatures and wintry precipitation, it will continue to be warmer than usual across the western third of the U.S. While the temperatures will feel lovely to those tired of winter weather, the pattern will also usher in the threat of fog with the stagnant air. Read on for the details of this forecast.

Dry and Warm Weather in Store for Much of the West

Poor air quality conditions will be the story for parts of the western U.S. this week as the region enjoys unusually warm conditions and sunny skies. The dry and warm weather will expand across the bulk of the western U.S. this week as the jet stream takes on a northward bulge. This bulge will limit the amount of storm activity, translating to dry and sunny conditions.

Clear skies this time of the year in the West typically result in more pronounced temperature swings throughout the day and night. This is because clear skies overnight mean that there is no cloud cover to trap the warmth of the day closer to the ground. Although the daytime highs will trend warmer than the usual expectations for the middle of January, the mercury will also take a dramatic tumble once the sun goes down.