Following a relatively calm beginning to 2026 in terms of weather across most of the United States, a storm expected toward the end of the week may deliver cooler conditions, rainfall and snow to certain regions.
A storm system forming in the western U.S. may affect large portions of the nation as the week draws to a close.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, this latest weather disturbance is projected to start Thursday and continue through Saturday. The activity will commence Thursday in the Southwest, driven by a cutoff low pressure system presently lingering over the Pacific Ocean, which is expected to strengthen while over the Rocky Mountains.
A cutoff low pressure system is a pocket of upper-level atmospheric disturbance that detaches from the primary jet stream flow, causing it to remain stationary until the jet stream either pushes it along or pulls it back into the main current, per the FOX Forecast Center. (RELATED: Multiple Semi-Trucks, Over 50 Cars Get In Pile-Up Crash On I-75 In Michigan Amid Life-Threatening Winter Storm)
The National Weather Service (NWS) notes that cutoff lows can develop during any season and in any part of the globe.
As this system starts to advance, it has the potential to trigger the development of a powerful surface storm.
This scenario might unfold if chilly northern air masses converge with milder southern air. Experts at the FOX Forecast Center anticipate some level of this interaction, though they remain uncertain about the precise progression of the system and the potential intensity of its effects.
Should the system shift nearer to the Southern Plains by Thursday, it might cause a significant severe weather event extending through Friday, while the Northeast could primarily see rainfall and snowfall by Saturday.
A cutoff low is expected to impact the region Wednesday & Thursday. Right now, rain chances are at 40% on Wednesday through Wednesday night, with models beginning to trend later on the system’s arrival. #storm #tucson #rain #forecast #weather #news pic.twitter.com/ZVGwgXeslV
— KOLDNews (@KOLDNews) January 4, 2026
The FOX Forecast Center indicated that further south across the Southern Plains and Deep South, a cold front will trail from the primary low pressure system and push eastward.
Forecasters noted that, subject to the levels of atmospheric energy and instability present, a handful of intense thunderstorms could develop, potentially bringing strong gusty winds, hail and even the risk of a short-lived tornado.
Areas including Cincinnati, Ohio and Louisville, Kentucky may receive more than two inches of rainfall Friday, where a level-one risk of flash flooding is presently in place.
In addition to this risk, several regions warrant close attention in the days ahead due to the possibility of diverse weather impacts. Stretching from the Rockies through the Upper Midwest, significant snowfall could accumulate in parts of New Mexico, Colorado and extending into Minnesota. (RELATED: Washington Officials Issue Toilet Rat Warning After Historic Flooding)
The concluding stage of this storm system is expected to fade away over the Great Lakes region and the Northeast between Saturday and Sunday. Strong gusts and wind-driven snow remain possible around the Great Lakes.
A cold front may advance across the southern U.S. and progress into the Northeast by late Saturday, bringing showers and thunderstorms.
Regions including Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Maine, along with other parts of the Northeast, are likely to experience substantial rainfall throughout the weekend. Fortunately, no risks of severe weather or flooding are anticipated at this point.
Weather conditions throughout the United States are forecast to stabilize by late Sunday, allowing most regions to dry out as the new week begins.