Temperatures to Plunge Up to 50 Degrees as Snow Hits the West

You may experience weather whiplash in the coming days if you live in the western U.S. After days of warm and dry weather, a major pattern shift will bring in cold temperatures and the threat of snow for the higher elevations. Here are the details on the timing and projected impacts of the looming storm system out West.

Dramatic Change in the Weather Headed to the West

A deep dip in the jet stream over the western U.S. will support the development of an early-season snow event for the top terrains of the Rocky Mountains. Areas that do not see snow will still experience noticeably colder temperatures and the chance of rain. Temperatures will fall by as much as 25 to 50 degrees throughout much of the West, bringing an end to the early-fall heat wave that has marked the last several days in this part of the country.

The change in the weather will become noticeable for most people by the weekend. Conditions more typical of the end of the fall season will move into a zone from Washington down into California and to the east into Montana.

For instance, after seeing highs hit the 80s on Tuesday, Great Falls, Montana, will struggle to climb out of the 30s on Sunday and Monday. To say that this 50-degree swing is notable is an understatement.

The surge of cool air will extend as far east as Rapid City, South Dakota. Temperatures in the low 90s on Friday will be replaced by readings that top out in the 50s on Sunday in this part of the northern Plains.

While the change will not be quite as dramatic in California and the Southwest, the shift will still be a marked difference from the sizzling weather as of late. Los Angeles has been dealing with highs near the century mark over the last week; however, top afternoon readings will max out in the 70s by Sunday, marking a return to historical averages for Southern California.