As the first full week of January 2026 unfolds, millions of Americans from Arizona to the Midwest and beyond are bracing for a dramatic shift in the weather, with a potent series of storms set to sweep across more than 30 states. According to the National Weather Service and reports from FOX 10 Phoenix and FOX Weather, the week began with mild, even unseasonable, temperatures in many regions, only for a one-two punch of winter weather to threaten everything from travel plans to daily routines.
Tuesday, January 6, dawned mild and fair in Arizona, with Valley temperatures climbing to a pleasant 70 degrees, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix. The night was expected to be partly to mostly cloudy, with lows dipping to 51 degrees. But this tranquil start was merely the calm before the storm—literally. The forecast called for a cool Wednesday with highs near 61 degrees, but rain showers were set to move in by the afternoon, continuing through the night and signaling the arrival of two significant storm systems.
The first of these storms was predicted to bring scattered rain to southern and central Arizona Wednesday afternoon and night. In the state’s mountain regions, falling temperatures would turn that rain into light snow, with accumulations expected to remain modest through Thursday morning. But the second storm, forecast to arrive later on Thursday, would bring a broader swath of rain statewide and much heavier snow to the mountains above 6,000 feet. Flagstaff, Kachina Village, Munds Park, and Show Low were all expected to see between two and six inches of snow, while the White Mountains could exceed a foot—enough to create true winter driving conditions. The popular Snowbowl ski area was also in line for up to a foot of fresh powder, a boon for skiers but a challenge for motorists.
With these winter conditions looming, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) issued a stern reminder for those heading north: avoid parking along highways to play in the snow. As ADOT explained, parked cars can distract drivers, block emergency responders, and even be struck by snow and ice thrown by plows. Instead, drivers were urged to use designated areas and to travel with a well-stocked kit—warm clothing, blankets, a charged phone, flashlight, drinking water, snacks, first-aid supplies, an ice scraper, sand or kitty litter for traction, a folding shovel, a tool kit, safety flares, and even sanitation supplies. Snow tires, chains, or studded tires (permitted from October 1 to May 1) were also strongly recommended, along with checking that wipers, lights, and batteries were in good working order.
But Arizona was far from alone in facing wintry challenges. According to FOX Weather, two powerful cross-country storms were poised to bring rain, snow, and severe weather to more than 30 states starting Thursday, January 8. The first storm, racing out of the Southwest, would drench the Southern Plains—including Oklahoma and North Texas—with rain. The severe thunderstorm threat would stretch into Arkansas and southern Missouri from Wednesday night into Thursday, with snow showers possible in the higher elevations of New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. As the system sprinted east, widespread rain would blanket the Midwest, Mississippi, and Tennessee valleys, with a low-end flash flood threat for Chicagoland, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana.
By Friday, January 9, the cold front from the first storm would push into the Deep South, sparking a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe thunderstorms across the Lower Mississippi and Tennessee valleys. This area covered parts of Missouri, west Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana, including major cities like Memphis, Jackson, and Alexandria. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warned that these storms could bring damaging winds, hail, and even tornadoes. Meanwhile, a second storm would form in the Four Corners, bringing yet another round of rain to the Midwest and the Mississippi and Tennessee valleys. Middle Tennessee and northwestern Alabama were under a Level 2 out of 4 flash flood threat, with both Nashville and Huntsville in the zone of concern.
Rain from the first storm was forecast to reach the Northeast and New England—including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston—by Friday morning. The weekend promised little respite: rain would linger across the Southeast on Saturday morning, while gusty winds and snow were expected to hit Wisconsin, Michigan, northern Illinois, and northern Indiana. Showers and thunderstorms would continue across much of the Northeast and New England into Saturday, with most areas finally drying out by late Sunday, January 11, according to FOX Weather.
In Omaha, Nebraska, the week started with unseasonably warm temperatures. As KETV NewsWatch 7 reported, highs reached the 50s on Tuesday, January 6, and could climb into the 60s on Wednesday, just shy of the record 65 degrees set in 2003. But this warmth was fleeting. Dense fog blanketed the city on the night of January 5 into January 6, reducing visibility to just 10 to 20 feet, though it mercifully cleared before the morning commute. The forecast called for two rounds of precipitation: Thursday, January 8, would bring a soaking rain, with some areas south of I-80 possibly seeing close to an inch. A little snow might mix in, but with no significant accumulation expected. Friday would start off fine, but by late evening into the overnight hours, colder air could bring light snow—just enough to potentially impact travel for the Friday evening commute into Saturday morning. Overnight lows were expected to drop into the upper 20s, with cooler, more seasonable temperatures settling in for the weekend.
With so much of the country facing the threat of heavy rain, snow, and severe storms, safety officials urged residents everywhere to be prepared. The American Red Cross offered flood safety tips: "Turn around, don’t drown! If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way." If caught in rising water, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. The Red Cross also advised tuning in to local news for the latest updates and following evacuation orders when issued. For those in flood-prone neighborhoods, being ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice was paramount.
For up-to-the-minute road conditions, Arizona drivers were reminded to call 511 or visit az511.com, while residents elsewhere were encouraged to check their local transportation departments and weather services. With the forecast changing rapidly and the potential for hazardous conditions across such a vast swath of the country, vigilance and preparation could make all the difference as this week’s storms unfold.
As the nation braces for a rollercoaster of weather—mild days giving way to rain, snow, and severe storms—one thing is certain: January 2026 is shaping up to be anything but ordinary for millions across the United States.
