Severe Weather Looms as Low-Pressure System Intensifies into Nor’easter Across North America

On Saturday, a low-pressure area formed over Texas, setting the stage for severe weather across the southeastern US over the weekend.

The system is expected to intensify into a nor’easter in the coming days, influencing weather patterns across the eastern US and southeastern Canada throughout the week.

By Monday, the system began its slow eastward movement across the Gulf Coast states. The US Storm Prediction Center issued a heightened risk (level three out of five) for severe thunderstorms, including potential hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes from eastern Texas to South Carolina.

On the system’s western side, heavy snowfall over the weekend led to winter storm warnings in parts of western Oklahoma and west Texas. Snowfall exceeded 10 cm (4 in) widely, with some areas in Texas seeing over 20 cm (8 in).

As the low-pressure area progresses, it will intensify rapidly by Tuesday, eventually deepening and accelerating northeastward through Wednesday, reaching southeastern Newfoundland by Wednesday evening.

This nor’easter will bring significant snowfall to New England on Tuesday and to Atlantic Canada on Wednesday. Expect snowfall totals of 15-25 cm (6-10 in) broadly, with some areas receiving over 30 cm (12 in).

Accompanying gusty winds may cause coastal flooding and potential damage to trees and infrastructure.

In contrast, parts of western Europe are predicted to experience a warm week, with temperatures peaking around 20-25°C (68-77°F) from Wednesday to Friday before cooler air arrives over the weekend. This is notably warmer than average for this time of year.

However, the ski season is less promising. Many European ski resorts, particularly at lower altitudes, are struggling with inadequate snow coverage. Around 24% of resorts in Spain, France, and Switzerland are currently closed due to lack of snow, affecting those planning ski trips over the half-term holiday.