Day 4-8 Outlook
Day 4-8 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0235 AM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 Valid 241200Z - 291200Z ...DISCUSSION... A large-scale upper trough will shift from the Rockies through the central and eastern CONUS Days 4-6/Sat-Mon. As this occurs, a very cold airmass will overspread much of the country, with a swath of winter precipitation expected to spread from the southern Plains through the Mid-Atlantic. At the surface, model guidance varies, but a deepening low is expected to develop over the central Gulf Coast vicinity on Saturday night/early Sunday. The low and trailing cold front will move offshore the Atlantic coast by early Monday. Depending how far north the surface low develops, some thunderstorm potential could increase across parts of the central Gulf Coast and the FL Panhandle on Sunday. However, severe storms appear unlikely. The very cold airmass settling over much of the country during the weekend is likely to persist into early next week, precluding thunderstorm potential through the end of the period.
