Winter has fully asserted itself across much of the United States as mid-December unfolds, and the weather pattern governing the weekend of December 13th and 14th reflects a classic early-season winter setup. A strong Arctic air mass remains entrenched across the eastern half of the country, while the western United States experiences a pronounced contrast between active Pacific systems in the Northwest and relative stability in the Southwest. National Weather Service guidance and NOAA Weather Prediction Center outlooks indicate that this pattern will remain largely intact through the weekend, with only modest regional shifts.
What follows is a detailed, region-by-region forecast for the United States, focused on conditions expected today and tomorrow, and written to emphasize impacts, trends, and persistence rather than short-term headline weather.
Northeast
The Northeast remains under the influence of a cold, Arctic-sourced air mass that settled into the region earlier in the week. On Saturday, temperatures across much of New England, upstate New York, and interior Pennsylvania remain below freezing throughout the day. Daytime highs struggle to climb out of the 20s in many inland locations, while coastal areas remain cold and breezy with highs in the 30s.
Light snow and snow showers are expected across portions of the region, particularly in higher elevations and areas downwind of the Great Lakes. Accumulations are generally light, but localized higher totals remain possible in favored terrain. Winds contribute to reduced visibility at times, especially in open areas and during snow showers.
By Sunday, the broader precipitation shield weakens as the primary forcing shifts east. Snow tapers across much of the region, though intermittent flurries may persist, especially in northern New England. Clearing skies overnight allow temperatures to fall sharply, reinforcing the cold pattern. The overall theme for the Northeast remains cold, with limited moderation expected into the early part of the upcoming week.
Midwest
The Midwest continues to experience one of the more impactful segments of this winter pattern. Arctic air remains firmly established across the region, and Saturday brings a combination of snow, blowing snow, and dangerously low wind chills. Portions of the Upper Midwest and central Plains remain under winter weather advisories as snowfall continues in bands associated with lingering frontal boundaries.
Temperatures remain well below seasonal averages, with highs in the teens and 20s across large portions of the region. Wind chills dip into hazardous territory, particularly during the morning and evening hours, increasing the risk for frostbite and hypothermia during prolonged outdoor exposure.
On Sunday, snowfall becomes more scattered and less widespread, but cold conditions persist. Snowpack and ice on roadways continue to impact travel, and the lack of significant warming prevents meaningful improvement in conditions. The Midwest remains locked in a winter regime, with Arctic air likely to dominate beyond the weekend.
Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, Including Appalachia
The Mid-Atlantic and Southeast sit near the southern edge of the Arctic air mass, resulting in a sharp temperature gradient across the region. Saturday marks the full passage of a cold front, bringing colder temperatures and, in some areas, mixed precipitation. Northern sections of the Mid-Atlantic experience brief periods of snow or a rain-snow mix early in the day, transitioning to colder, drier conditions by afternoon.
In the Appalachian region, elevation plays a significant role. Higher elevations see light snow and flurries, while valleys and lower elevations trend toward cold rain early before drying out. Temperatures fall steadily through the day, with Saturday night lows dipping well below freezing in many locations.
Sunday brings clearer skies and colder conditions across much of the region. Mountain areas may continue to see occasional flurries, but significant accumulation is unlikely. The broader Southeast remains dry but noticeably colder than earlier in the week, marking a clear seasonal shift toward winter conditions.
Gulf Coast and South-Central States
The Gulf Coast and South-Central states experience a transition period over the weekend as a cold front pushes through the region. On Saturday, lingering showers remain possible early in the day, particularly closer to the Gulf Coast, while temperatures begin a downward trend. Areas farther inland experience cooler and drier conditions as the front moves east and south.
Winds increase behind the front, contributing to a sharper temperature drop by Saturday evening. By Sunday, the region settles into a cooler and drier air mass, with overnight lows significantly lower than those observed earlier in the week. While winter weather hazards remain limited in this region, the change in temperature is notable and reinforces the broader national cooling trend.
Rockies and Southwest
A stark contrast defines the western United States this weekend. In the Southwest, high pressure remains dominant, resulting in dry and relatively mild conditions. Desert regions see daytime temperatures near or slightly above seasonal norms, with clear skies and minimal wind.
In the Rockies, conditions vary by elevation. Higher elevations remain cold, with snow confined primarily to mountainous terrain. Saturday and Sunday both feature isolated snow showers at elevation, while lower valleys remain cold but dry. Overall, the western interior experiences fewer disruptions than the eastern half of the country, though winter conditions remain firmly in place at altitude.
Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest continues to experience an active weather pattern driven by Pacific moisture. On Saturday, widespread rain affects lower elevations, while snow continues in the mountains. River levels remain elevated in some basins, and localized flooding concerns persist, particularly where heavier rain bands develop.
Sunday brings little relief, as additional waves of moisture move onshore. Rain continues across coastal and lowland areas, while mountain snow fluctuates with changing snow levels. Travel through mountain passes remains challenging, and the cumulative effects of ongoing precipitation remain a concern for infrastructure and waterways.
Alaska
Alaska remains in a deep winter pattern through the weekend. Cold temperatures persist statewide, with snowfall varying by region. Coastal areas experience periods of snow and wind, while interior regions remain cold and relatively dry. No significant pattern shifts are expected over the next two days, as winter conditions continue to dominate.
Hawaii
Hawaii experiences typical mid-December trade-wind conditions through Saturday and Sunday. Passing clouds and showers remain most common along windward slopes, while leeward areas stay generally drier. No widespread hazardous weather is indicated, and conditions remain seasonally typical for the islands.
National Pattern Summary
The overarching theme for the weekend of December 13th and 14th is persistence. Arctic air remains entrenched across the eastern half of the United States, bringing cold temperatures and periodic winter weather. The Midwest and Northeast continue to bear the brunt of the cold, while the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast experience a pronounced shift toward winter conditions. In contrast, the Southwest remains dry and stable, and the Pacific Northwest continues to contend with active, moisture-driven weather.
This forecast is grounded in National Weather Service guidance, including Weather Prediction Center day-one and day-two outlooks, and reflects a high-confidence pattern rather than a transient event. While localized variations will occur, the broader structure of the atmosphere favors limited change through the weekend.
Winter is no longer approaching; it has arrived, and the weather of this weekend reflects that reality across much of the nation.
Sources
- NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE (NWS) — Area Forecast Discussions, Hazardous Weather Outlooks, and regional forecast products issued by local NWS Forecast Offices across the United States for December 13–14, 2025.
- NOAA WEATHER PREDICTION CENTER (WPC) — Day 1 and Day 2 national forecast guidance, surface analysis charts, winter weather outlooks, and precipitation discussions valid for December 13–14, 2025.
- NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION (NOAA) — Synoptic-scale weather pattern analysis and operational meteorological guidance supporting National Weather Service forecasts.
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