Eastern Cornbelt:
Wet weather was reported across much of central and southern Illinois during the week, with temperatures climbing to the low- to mid-40s as the week progressed. By Jan. 20, however, forecasts warned of scattered snow showers and temperatures in the high-20s and low-30s across most of the state.
Wet and windy conditions were also reported across Indiana at midweek, with highs reaching the mid-50s on Jan. 19 in some locations. Most of central Ohio was under a severe thunderstorm watch on Jan. 19, with wind advisories also in effect for many areas. Highs in the 30s were expected across Ohio by the end of the week, down significantly from the 50s seen at midweek.
Western Cornbelt:
Rain and snow showers moved through Iowa as the week progressed, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s in western Iowa to the mid-30s in the eastern areas of the state. The heaviest snow fell in the western and northern portions of the state, with some locations seeing up to a foot of snow by Jan. 19.
Nebraska was also blanketed with a fresh layer of snow at midweek, with up to a foot reported across the southern Panhandle, southwestern Nebraska, and into the Nebraska Sandhills. The winter precipitation forced the closure of Interstate 80 west of North Platte, Neb., and also west of Grand Island, Neb.
Much of Missouri endured spotty rains during the week, although a wintry mix of rain, snow, and ice was reported in northwestern areas of the state, prompting a weather advisory at midweek.
California:
Drier weather was reported across California at midweek after several weeks of relentless Pacific storms that caused widespread flooding, mudslides, and numerous road closures due to washouts and heavy snow.
The abundant moisture had a huge impact on drought conditions in California. Extreme-to-exceptional drought is now completely eliminated after dominating the state for months, thanks to precipitation levels that were more than 300% above normal since late December.
Even so, most of the state remained in moderate-to-severe drought as of Jan. 19. As for reservoir levels, Shasta Lake now stands at 52% capacity compared to 34% a year ago; Folsom Lake is at 52% capacity and is expected to be full by May; and Lake Oroville is at 58% capacity compared to 44% a year ago.
Pacific Northwest:
Rainfall was reported across western Washington and Oregon during the week, but levels were well below the heavy precipitation produced by the “atmospheric river” that churned through both states earlier in the month. Forecasts at midweek talked of an inch of rain along coastal areas of Oregon and less than a half-inch in the valleys.
A winter weather advisory was in effect for southern Idaho at midweek, with up to three inches of snow expected in the valleys and eight inches in the mountains. Although skies were generally gray and cloudy, Montana was mostly dry during the week, with seasonal temperatures in the teens and 20s.
Western Canada:
Scattered snow flurries and fog were reported in Saskatchewan at midweek, but unseasonably mild temperatures dominated over much of Western Canada. Forecasts warned of freezing rain over parts of southern Manitoba on Jan. 18, while steady rains were also common across western British Columbia during the week.