2019–20 North American winter

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On October 17, 2019, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center released its U.S. Winter Outlook. The El Niño–Southern Oscillation was in its neutral phase and was thus not expected to be a key predictor for the season. As a result, other oscillations such as the Madden–Julian Oscillation and the Arctic Oscillation were anticipated to be more significant drivers of the seasonal weather, particularly in the form of large temperature and precipitation swings. From the outlook, the greatest likelihoods for above-normal temperatures were for Alaska and Hawaii, with lower but still above-normal odds of above-average temperatures for most of the lower 48 states. The exception was for the Northern Plains, Upper Mississippi Valley, and western Great Lakes regions, which were ascribed equal changes for above-, near-, or below-average temperatures. No area in the United States was favored to have below-average temperatures. In terms of precipitation, wetter-than-average conditions were most likely in Alaska, Hawaii, part of the Northern Plains, Upper Mississippi Valley, Great Lakes, and parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern U.S. Drier-than-average conditions were favored for Louisiana and parts of Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, as well as parts of central and northern California, with the rest of the U.S. having equal changes of above-, near-, or below-average precipitation. The drought outlook highlighted the presence of abnormally dry conditions across much of the Southern U.S, with improvement expected in part of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, Alaska, and Hawaii. Drought was expected to persist in central Texas and the Southwestern U.S, with further development anticipated in parts of central California.{{cite news|title=Winter Outlook: Warmer than average for many, wetter in the North: Drought improvement expected in the Southeast|url=https://www.noaa.gov/media-release/winter-outlook-warmer-than-average-for-many-wetter-in-north|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=October 17, 2019|access-date=October 18, 2019}}

An unusually early winter storm blanketed parts of the northern Rockies at the end of September 2019. Great Falls, Montana recorded {{convert|19.3|in|cm|abbr=on}} of snow on September 28 and 29th, which is the largest September storm on record in the region and the second largest two day storm on record there, behind April 27–28, 2009. Missoula also saw their heaviest September snow on record.[https://weather.com/forecast/regional/news/2019-09-25-september-blizzard-montana-northern-rockies-snow Record-Smashing, Historic September Snowstorm Brings Up to 4 Feet of Snow, Blizzard Conditions to Northern Rockies], The Weather Channel, September 30, 2019 Wind gusts reached as high as {{convert|60|mph|kph}}.[https://www.weather.gov/tfx/27-30September2019Snowstorm Details of the September 27-30th, 2019 Snowstorm], National Weather Service Great Falls, Montana Browning, Montana received {{convert|48|in|cm|abbr=on}} of snow.[https://www.insider.com/montana-snowstorm-photos-feet-of-snow-2019-10 Montana is digging out of a September snowstorm that dropped up to 4 feet of snow], Insider, October 1, 2019 Spokane, Washington saw their earliest snow in over 100 years and their snowiest September as well, with record cold highs as well on September 29, with Spokane only reaching {{convert|38|F|C}}.[https://www.q13fox.com/news/spokane-sees-earliest-snowfall-in-over-100-years Spokane sees earliest snowfall in over 100 years], Fox 13 Spokane, September 30, 2019 Portland, Oregon tied their all time record low high in September, which was {{convert|50|F|C}} in downtown and {{convert|52|F|C}} at Portland International Airport.[https://www.wweek.com/news/2019/09/30/yesterday-was-the-coldest-september-day-in-portland-since-1934/ Yesterday Was the Coldest September Day in Portland Since 1934], Wweek, September 30, 2019 The University of Lethbridge was forced to cancel classes due to {{convert|50|cm|in|abbr=on}} of snow.[https://www.theweathernetwork.com/en/news/weather/severe/this-day-in-weather-history-september-28-2019-early-fall-and-alberta-buried Recalling the record-breaking September when a snowstorm buried Calgary], The Weather Network, September 28, 2021 Several roads in Glacier National Park were also closed.[https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2019/09/calendar-says-september-glacier-national-park-weather-says-january Calendar Says September, Glacier National Park Weather Says January], National Parks Traveler, September 28, 2019 In Calgary, the snowfall total of {{convert|24.6|cm|in|abbr=on}} on September 29 made that the snowiest September day in history there.[https://globalnews.ca/news/5968558/calgary-september-2019-snowfall-record/ Sunday marked Calgary’s snowiest September day in history], Global News, September 30, 2019 Then-governor Steve Bullock of Montana declared a state of emergency following the storm.[https://weather.com/news/news/2019-09-28-northern-rockies-september-snowstorm-impacts Some Montana Kids Get a Rare September Snow Day After Historic Snowfall], The Weather Channel, September 30, 2019

Record breaking temperatures and snowfall caused disruption throughout the Midwestern United States in early November. Approximately 1000 flights were grounded at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport as {{convert|3.7|in|cm}} of snow fell on November 11, breaking the previous daily record of {{convert|1.9|in|cm}} on November 11, 1995.{{cite news |title=Nearly 1,000 flights canceled as record-breaking snow blankets Chicago |url=https://wgntv.com/2019/11/11/winter-weather-advisory-for-3-to-6-inches-of-snow-across-the-chicago-area-monday-lakeshore-flood-warning-for-the-illinois-and-nw-indiana-lake-michigan-shoreline-into-tuesday/ |agency=Nextstar Broadcasting, inc. |publisher=WGN9 |date=11 November 2019}} On November 12, Chicago set records for a record cold low ({{convert|7|F|C}}) and high ({{convert|17|F|C}}). That was the coldest so early in the season.[https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2019/11/13/cold-snap-historic-proportions-hits-east-coast-over-records-fall/ Cold snap of historic proportions hits East Coast, over 300 records fall], Washington Post, November 13, 2019 In areas of Michigan's lower peninsula, over {{convert|2|ft|cm}} of snow fell.{{Cite web|last=US Department of Commerce|title=November 11–12 Accumulating Snow, Lake Effect Snow, and Record-Breaking Cold|url=https://www.weather.gov/grr/20191111SnowAndCold|access-date=2020-07-05|website=www.weather.gov|language=EN-US}} The {{convert|9.2|in|cm|abbr=on}} of snow in Detroit made this the largest November snowstorm for the city.{{cite news |title=Biggest November snow ever for Metro Detroit |url=https://www.wxyz.com/news/biggest-november-snow-ever-for-metro-detroit |access-date=January 15, 2023 |publisher=WXYZ Detroit |date=November 12, 2019}} Parts of Texas saw feels like temperatures drop from {{convert|92|F|C}} to {{convert|31|F|C}} as the arctic blast moved through.{{cite web | url=https://capaction.medium.com/3-facts-about-extreme-temperature-drops-and-climate-change-d74475b75bc3 | title=3 Facts about Extreme Temperature Drops and Climate Change | date=19 November 2019 }} In Canada, Southern Ontario and Southern Quebec had their first major winter storm of the season on November 11 and 12 respectively, which was followed by record, January-like cold.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/news/article/significant-november-snow-storm-hits-southern-ontario-quebec-with-record-january-like-cold|title=After strong storm, traffic chaos, where to expect Tuesday's snow|website=theweathernetwork.com|language=en-CA|access-date=2020-01-08}} {{convert|10-20|cm|in}} of snow fell across much of the region crippling large cities such as Montreal and Toronto. In Montreal, local officials announced the city's earliest ever snow removal operation in the aftermath of the storm. Over 10 school boards province-wide closed the day after the storm.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/news/article/major-snow-storm-coming-to-quebec-early-week|title=Quebec digs out from its first major snowstorm of the season|website=theweathernetwork.com|language=en-CA|access-date=2020-01-08}} Paducah, Kentucky saw their earliest in-season sub-freezing high.[https://weather.com/forecast/regional/news/2019-11-08-arctic-cold-outbreak-mid-november-record-midwest-south-east Arctic Cold Surge Smashes Over 400 Mid-November Records in the Plains, Midwest, South and East], The Weather Channel, November 14, 2019 Lexington, Kentucky established a new record low of {{convert|12|F|C}}.{{cite web |title=November 1911 vs. November 2019 epic cold fronts |url=https://www.lex18.com/november-1911-vs-november-2019-epic-cold-fronts |website=Lex18 |access-date=August 12, 2022}} In New York City, the air was considered cold even by January standards, as November 12 saw a record low temperature of {{convert|25|F|C}},{{cite news |title=[November 12] Record low temperatures were reached yesterday at 5 of our 6 climate sites. Record cold is here! |url=https://twitter.com/nwsnewyorkny/status/1194597575208292353 |access-date=August 12, 2022 |agency=Twitter |publisher=NWS New York |date=November 13, 2019}} and November 13 also saw a record cold low of {{convert|23|F|C}}, and a high of only {{convert|34|F|C}}. The high on November 13 was well below the average low of {{convert|42|F|C}}.{{cite news |last1=Fleming |first1=Melissa |title=Arctic Blast Brings Record Cold Temperatures to NYC |url=https://www.weathergamut.com/2019/11/13/ |access-date=August 12, 2022 |publisher=The Weather Gamut |date=November 13, 2019}} Pittsburgh saw a new record low temperature of {{convert|12|F|C}}, breaking the previous record from 1911.{{cite news |title=Pittsburgh breaks record low as cold snap hits region |url=https://triblive.com/local/regional/pittsburgh-ties-record-low-as-cold-snap-hits-region/ |access-date=August 12, 2022 |publisher=Triblive |date=November 13, 2019}} In the Lehigh Valley, temperatures tied a record low of {{convert|18|F|C}} and the high of {{convert|35|F|C}} became a record cold high.{{cite news |title=Was Wednesday the coldest Nov. 13 on record in the Lehigh Valley? |url=https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2019/11/was-wednesday-the-coldest-nov-13-on-record-in-the-lehigh-valley.html |access-date=December 6, 2022 |publisher=Lehigh Valley Live |date=November 14, 2019}} In Toronto, a record low on November 12 was established at {{convert|-7.9|C|F}}, and on November 13, a new record low of {{convert|-11.2|C|F}} was established. This forced Toronto to give an extreme cold alert.[https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2019/11/13/extreme-cold-hits-toronto-area-breaking-another-temperature-record/amp/ Extreme cold hits Toronto area, breaking another temperature record], CityNews, 13 November 2019 It got as cold as {{convert|17|F|C}} in Mississippi, causing sea smoke off the Gulf of Mexico.{{cite news |title=It's not over yet: Arctic blast blamed in deaths as cold shatters records from Maine to Deep South |url=https://www.fox5ny.com/weather/its-not-over-yet-arctic-blast-blamed-in-deaths-as-cold-shatters-records-from-maine-to-deep-south |access-date=August 12, 2022 |publisher=Fox5NY |date=November 13, 2019}} Watertown, New York tied their monthly record of {{convert|-7|F|C}} that was previously set the previous winter, while breaking the daily record by {{convert|18|F-change|C-change}}.[https://twitter.com/NWSBUFFALO/status/1194682997267521537 The temperature at #Watertown NY dipped to -7°F this morning. Not only did this shatter the daily record of 11°F (1997) but it also tied the November monthly low temperature...set less than a year ago...November 22nd and 23rd of last year.], National Weather Service Buffalo, New York, Twitter, November 13, 2019 Some places, like Pensacola, which plunged to {{convert|30|F|C}}, had a day colder than any day the previous winter.{{cite news |title=Sea smoke over the Gulf of Mexico as the very cold air moves over warmer water. It has been 663 days (Jan. 19th, 2018) since Pensacola has recorded a temperature this low as we sit at a chilly 30 degrees! #NWFL #flwx |url=https://twitter.com/wxkaitlin/status/1194584337230057473 |access-date=August 12, 2022 |agency=Twitter |publisher=Katlin Wright |date=November 13, 2019}} The cold wave also killed six people, and another winter storm related death occurred in Michigan.[https://www.insider.com/arctic-blast-us-cold-expected-break-records-death-toll-2019-11?amp The US is being hit by a frigid, early cold snap that has killed at least 6 people and could break 100 temperature records], Business Insider, November 13, 2019 Before the arctic blast, it was unseasonably warm in certain places. In Great Falls, Montana, the high on November 9 was {{convert|60|F|C}}, but by noon on November 10, it dropped to {{convert|14|F|C}}.{{cite news |last1=Puckett |first1=Karl |title='It's going to be incredibly cold tonight': Low temperature Monday to be 5 degrees |url=https://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/news/2019/11/10/its-going-incredibly-cold-tonight-across-northcentral-montana/2555600001/ |access-date=August 12, 2022 |publisher=Great Falls Tribune |date=November 10, 2019}} Due to the cold wave, several locations in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan saw a record cold first half of November, with average highs hovering around freezing.[https://wwmt.com/weather/severe-weather-center/record-cold-start-to-november-prompts-thoughts-of-a-white-thanksgiving Record cold start to November prompts thoughts of a white Thanksgiving], News Channel 3, November 18, 2019

{{Main|November 26 – December 3, 2019 North American blizzard}}

Moving ashore November 26–27 near the border between Oregon and California as an over-achieving bomb cyclone, it produced wind gusts in excess of {{convert|100|mph|kph|abbr=on}} near its point of landfall. The storm produced a record low pressure reading of {{convert|973.4|mb|inHg}} in Crescent City, California. From November 27–30, the low merged with the subtropical jet stream as it tracked slowly eastward across the Rockies, Great Plains and Midwest. The combination of cold air, moisture and high winds produced a wide swath of blizzard conditions from Colorado through western South Dakota, including the Denver metropolitan area. In Rapid City, South Dakota, {{convert|14.5|in|cm|abbr=on}} of snow fell on the 30th, breaking the one-day snowfall record for November. In Duluth, Minnesota, where {{convert|21.7|in|cm|abbr=on}} of snow accumulated, it was the city's heaviest snowstorm in 10 years. As the first major winter storm of the season in the northeast, it dumped {{convert|22.6|in|cm|abbr=on}} of snow in Albany, New York, where it was the heaviest snowfall since the 1993 Superstorm. Widespread totals in excess of 20 inches occurred in the Albany metropolitan area, southern New Hampshire, and northwestern Massachusetts with a regional peak of {{convert|36|in|cm|abbr=on}} of snow in New Ipswich, New Hampshire. The low finally moved out to sea December 3.{{Cite web|url=https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2019-12-01-northeast-great-lakes-snowstorm-forecast-ezekiel|title=Cross-Country Winter Storm Brought Snow, Ice and Wind Thanksgiving Week Into Early December (RECAP)|website=The Weather Channel|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-08}}

A large complex of low pressure systems began developing January 9 over Central North America. A large trough dug into the jet stream over the Southwestern United States, providing arctic air that had been settled over Canada to move southwards and clash with warm, moist air moving northward from the Gulf of Mexico.{{Cite web|url=https://weather.com/news/news/2020-01-10-winter-storm-oklahoma-kansas-missouri-iowa-illinois|title=Winter Storm Closes Schools, Airlines Prepare for Delays|website=The Weather Channel|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-11}} In the warm sector, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes broke out in the south central United States on the morning of January 10. Tornado warnings were issued for more than 1.7 million in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, an at 7:52 pm CST a PDS tornado warning was issued for Scranton, Arkansas and surrounding communities. More than 111,000 customers were left without power in Texas alone. Severe weather continued in the deep south into following day, with Alabama being affected particularly severely.{{Cite web|url=https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/live-tornado-watches-issued-in-oklahoma-texas-as-severe-weather-outbreak-begins-in-southern-us/659511|title=LIVE: Storms leave behind trail of damage as severe weather outbreak advances east|access-date=2020-01-11|archive-date=2020-01-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111041726/https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/live-tornado-watches-issued-in-oklahoma-texas-as-severe-weather-outbreak-begins-in-southern-us/659511|url-status=dead}} North of the boundary, a mix of heavy snow and freezing rain caused travel problems across the Midwest. Along the Great Lakes, winds were forecast to whip up {{convert|23|ft|m|abbr=on}} waves as lakeshore flooding had already begun in Chicago.{{Cite web|url=https://weather.com/news/news/2020-01-11-winter-storm-impacts-flights-canceled-power-outages-rough-driving|title=Waves More Than 20 Feet High Could Hit Chicago Lakeshore as Winter Storm Pounds Plains, Upper Midwest|website=The Weather Channel|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-11}} Central Michigan through Eastern Ontario received a swath of crippling ice accretion. Several January rainfall records fell in Southern Ontario, as event rainfall totals over {{convert|50|mm|in|abbr=on}} were widespread.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/news/article/ontario-ice-storm-with-prolonged-freezing-rain-record-january-rainfall-flood-threat|title=Ontario: Largest temperature drop in almost two years, freezing rain ramps up|website=theweathernetwork.com|language=en-CA|access-date=2020-01-11}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/news/article/in-photos-ontario-extreme-rainfall-and-freezing-rain-event|title=PHOTOS: Cleanup underway after record rainfall floods streets, ice topples trees|website=theweathernetwork.com|language=en-CA|access-date=2020-01-12}}

{{main|January 2020 North American storm complex}}

In mid-January 2020, a complex system of winter storms that crossed North America, bringing heavy snowfall and high winds to Atlantic Canada and the northern United States between 15 and 18 January. At least one person was killed, in California, while at least one went missing, in Newfoundland. The person who went missing in Newfoundland was later found dead.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/body-found-roaches-line-1.5440602 |title=Police identify body of Newfoundland man who went missing in giant blizzard {{!}} CBC News}} Another two people died in Newfoundland after shoveling snow, although the connection to the storm is unclear.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/shovelling-deaths-1.5432959 |title=2 dead in Harbour Grace following historic Newfoundland storm, mayor says {{!}} CBC News}} The winter storm caused historic blizzard conditions in many areas, particularly Atlantic Canada.

A major arctic outbreak affected western Canada and the Pacific Northwest from January 12–19. Extreme cold warnings were issued across all of Alberta, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, most of British Columbia, most of Saskatchewan and part of Manitoba during this period, as a cross-polar flow caused arctic air to settle in the region. Much of Central Alberta dipped below {{convert|-40|C|F}}, colder than it was in Siberia at the time.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/news/article/prairies-record-breaking-cold-possible-as-dangerous-arctic-air-locks-in|title=Prairies: Temperatures will be among lowest on Earth with intense deep freeze|website=theweathernetwork.com|language=en-CA|access-date=2020-01-25}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.accuweather.com/en/winter-weather/canadian-prairies-locked-in-icy-grip-of-winter-too-cold-for-penguins/659160|title=Canadian Prairies locked in icy grip of winter too cold for penguins|accessdate=7 May 2023}} Chilcotin, British Columbia saw temperatures as low as {{convert|-48.5|C|F}}.[https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/48-5-c-in-chilcotin-breaks-15-year-old-record-for-coldest-jan-14-1.5426512 -48.5 C in Chilcotin breaks 15-year-old record for coldest Jan. 14], CBC, January 14, 2020

Following the storm that would go on to become the North Atlantic bomb cyclone, the Ohio River Valley area and parts of the Midwest suffered brutally cold temperatures on January 19. On January 19, Southern New England experienced a flash freeze as a sleet storm impacted central and northern Massachusetts.{{Cite news|last=Perry|first=Aaron|date=20 January 2019|title=Flash Freeze Sets In Amid Winter Storm in New England|work=NBC10 Boston|url=https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/flash-freeze-snow-rain-freezing-rain-boston-new-england-noreaster-weather-forecast/3089/|access-date=11 February 2021}}

On February 14, the Ohio Valley region suffered brutally cold temperatures again this winter with temperatures plummeting to a low of {{convert|-2|F|C}} at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, regionally the coldest temperatures recorded in the 2019–2020 season. Considering the windchill factor, temperatures ranged from {{convert|-10|F|C}} to {{convert|-20|F|C}}; dangerously cold for anyone outdoors. It was Chicago's coldest Valentine's Day in 77 years.{{Cite web|url=https://wgntv.com/2020/02/14/wind-chill-advisory-for-northeast-illinois-remains-in-effect-until-10am-cst-this-friday-morning/|title=Friday is Chicago's coldest Valentine's Day in 77 years|date=2020-02-14|website=WGN-TV|language=en|access-date=2020-02-14}} Temperatures in Minnesota were also record breaking; an overnight low of {{convert|-35|F|C}} was reported at Preston. New Hampton, Iowa broke a near-century old record when they fell to {{convert|-18|F|C}}.{{Cite web|url=https://www.accuweather.com/en/winter-weather/deep-freeze-brings-accuweather-realfeel-temps-as-low-as-minus-46-f/681571|title=Deep freeze brings AccuWeather RealFeel Temps as low as minus 46 F|accessdate=7 May 2023}} Temperatures in High Point, New Jersey fell to {{convert|1|F|C}} on February 15.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/weather/2020/02/nj-weather-single-digit-wind-chills-bitter-cold-on-tap-but-hey-its-sunny.html|title=N.J. weather: Single-digit wind chills, bitter cold on tap (but, hey, it’s sunny!)|first=Noah Cohen | NJ Advance Media for|last=NJ.com|date=15 February 2020|website=nj|accessdate=7 May 2023}} North of the international border, temperatures fell into the {{convert|-20|C|F}} range as far south as Toronto, where several frostquakes occurred.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/news/article/frost-quakes-reported-in-southern-ontario-frigid-winter-conditions|title=Did you hear it? Frost quakes rumble through southern Ontario|website=theweathernetwork.com|language=en-CA|access-date=2020-02-15}}

{{main|Storm Ciara}}

File:Winter storm over Eastern US February 6, 2020.jpg

On February 4 and 5, snow fell in the deep south, primarily in Texas and Oklahoma, where several highways were closed.{{cite web | access-date=2020-02-05 | url=https://www.keyc.com/2020/02/05/snowfall-blankets-texas-oklahoma-deep-south-see-storms/ | title=Snowfall blankets Texas, Oklahoma; Deep South to see storms | language=en-US | website=keyc.com | date=February 6, 2020}} Snow fell as far south as Austin, {{convert|14|in|cm|abbr=on}} of snow fell in Jayton, Texas, and thundersnow occurred in Big Spring. Interstate 70 in central Missouri was temporarily shut down as road crews cleaned debris in the aftermath of a collision. Schools closed in portions of Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri. 9,000 were left without power in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. The following day, severe thunderstorms produced flash flooding and tornadoes in the Southeastern United States. In Simpson County, Mississippi, a possible-tornado destroyed several mobile homes. A PDS tornado warning was issued for Charlotte, where those at the airport were relocated to the building's interior.{{Cite web|url=https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/sleepless-night-in-southeast-after-deadly-severe-outbreak-rocks-the-area-with-tornado-reports/675726|title='Particularly dangerous situation' tornado warnings prompted by severe storms marching across Southeast|accessdate=7 May 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://weather.com/news/news/2020-02-05-winter-storm-impacts-oklahoma-kansas-missouri-texas|title=Portion of Interstate 70 Shut Down in Missouri as Winter Storm Marches East|website=The Weather Channel|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-05}} Severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings occurred as far North as Maryland and Delaware.{{Cite tweet|user=NWStornado|number=1225791217662746630|title=NWS Tornado twitter}} Winter weather advisories were issued from Tennessee to Maine, with warnings concentrated over north-central Pennsylvania, Western New York, and portions of Northern New England. With a precipitation shield of {{convert|2500|km|miles}} the storm impacted 16 million across 6 provinces in Canada.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/news/article/nearly-half-the-population-of-canada-riding-out-this-next-storm-heavy-snow-ice-ontario-quebec-nova-scotia-pei-new-brunswick-newfoundland|title=Nearly HALF the population of Canada is riding out this big storm|website=theweathernetwork.com|language=en-CA|access-date=2020-02-08}} The storm was dubbed "Winter Storm Kade" by The Weather Channel.{{Cite web|url=https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2020-02-02-winter-storm-west-rockies-plains-midwest-northeast-early-february|title=Winter Storm to Intensify With Heavy Snow, Some Ice In Northeast, But Will Leave New York, Philly, Washington All Wet|website=The Weather Channel|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-07}}

A broad area of low pressure brought snow to parts of the Southeast beginning on February 19, when snow began to fall in the mountains of Tennessee. {{convert|4.2|in|cm}} and {{convert|4|in|cm}} of snow accumulated in Waynesville and Mount Leconte, respectively. Similar but slightly lesser amounts occurred in surrounding areas of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. Another swath of snow occurred in eastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia on February 20–21, ending a 400+ day snow-free streak in the region.{{Cite web|url=https://www.accuweather.com/en/winter-weather/north-carolina-prepares-for-wintry-blast-as-437-day-snow-drought-ends/685691|title=North Carolina feels wintry blast as 437-day snow drought ends|access-date=2020-02-21|archive-date=2020-02-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221010745/https://www.accuweather.com/en/winter-weather/north-carolina-prepares-for-wintry-blast-as-437-day-snow-drought-ends/685691|url-status=dead}} In preparation for the storm, most school boards closed or had delayed openings, hundreds of flights were cancelled and all of North Carolina was put under a Winter weather advisory. The winter storm was named Winter Storm Nash by The Weather Channel.{{Cite web|url=https://weather.com/news/news/2020-02-20-winter-storm-impacts-north-carolina-virginia-snow|title=Winter Storm Closes Schools, Cancels Flights in North Carolina, Virginia; Officials Warn of Hazardous Road Conditions|website=The Weather Channel|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-21}}

File:Satellite image of water vapor over Northern rockies March 19, 2020.jpg

An area of low pressure incoming from the Pacific drifted down the California coastline the week of March 16, bringing scattered thunderstorms with hail to Southern California.{{Cite tweet|user=NWSLosAngeles|number=1240028664340701184|title=Convective showers observed moving through LA County this afternoon. Have had reports of hail in some areas, including Woodland Hills. #SoCal #LArain #LAweather|last=Angeles|first=NWS Los|access-date=2020-03-18}} Continuous flow of moisture into California's mountains produced extreme snowfall totals during an otherwise unimpressive winter there. {{convert|114|in|cm}} of snow fell at Homewood, {{convert|92|in|cm}} at Sierra-at-Tahoe and {{convert|77|in|cm}} at Kingvale.{{Cite tweet|user=Brittany_Boyer|number=1240046206430183425|title=Incredible snow totals coming in from the multi-day event in California. They definitely needed it after the lack of snow prior to this #cawx|last=Boyer|first=Brittany|access-date=2020-03-18}} Several rounds of severe thunderstorms occurred in Texas during this time period with the Dallas metropolitan area being especially hit hard. Following over {{convert|4|in|cm}} of rain, street flooding was reported.{{Cite tweet |user=StormOfCorn |number=1240387696197074944 |title=For the 2nd time in under 60 hours, flash flooding led to trouble in the Dallas area. Here are 5 locations that picked up at least 4" of rain with last night's event in North Texas. Most of these communities are in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro. More storms are expected. #txwx|last=|first=|date=March 18, 2020 |access-date=}}{{Cite tweet |user=BillWadell |number=1240282044300738561 |title=We’re finding flooding and street closures in Dallas, Texas this morning after heavy rain overnight. More rain and storms are expected in North Texas over the next 48 hours. |last=|first=|date=March 18, 2020}} The responsible low pressure area was observed to finally move ashore mid-day on the 18,{{Cite tweet |user=NWSSanDiego |number=1240346154853732352 |title=The visible satellite loop this morning shows the compact circulation of the upper low moving into northern Baja. #SanDIegoWX}} and the Colorado low began forming shortly afterward. In the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains, blizzard warnings were issued March 17 in anticipation of a very heavy snowfall to be accompanied by strong winds.{{Cite web|url=https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2020-03-14-snow-wind-west-plains-upper-midwest-strong-system|title=Blizzard Warnings Issued in Wyoming and Nebraska as a Winter Storm Will Blast the Rockies, Plains|website=The Weather Channel|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-18}} Snowfall totals in NWS Boulder's forecast region peak at {{convert|23|in|cm}}, {{convert|4|mi|km}} NE of Nederland.{{Cite tweet|user=NWSBoulder|number=1240948876108062720|title=Snowfall totals from 8"-18" in the mountains and foothills with local amounts over 20" in a few spots. Along the I-25 Corridor 5" to 10" around Denver with up to 12" over the Palmer Divide. #cowx|access-date=2020-03-20}} Combined with winds gusting over {{convert|62|mph|kph}},{{Cite tweet|user=NWSBoulder|number=1240777533832007680|title=List of peak wind reports: Akron airport checks in w/the strongest gust of 62 mph . Snow combined w/snow has created widespread blizzard conditions. Numerous locations across the northeast plains have been reporting whiteout or near whiteout conditions. #COwx|access-date=2020-03-20}} widespread blizzard conditions occurred.{{Cite tweet |user=NWSBoulder |number=1240776985011519489 |title=Blizzard conditions exist over a large chunk of northeast Colorado (east of I-25 and over the Palmer Divide). More technical discussion attached in this tweet. #COwx|access-date=2020-03-20}} At Denver's airport over 1,000 flights or around 80% of air traffic that day, were cancelled.{{Cite web|url=https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2020-03-14-snow-wind-west-plains-upper-midwest-strong-system|title=Winter Storm Takes Aim on the Plains, Upper Midwest with Snow and Gusty Winds|website=The Weather Channel|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-20}}

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{{excerpt|2020 Easter tornado outbreak|Winter storm}}

On May 9, 2020, the Eastern United States suffered record cold. Several areas of New England see accumulating snow, with Cambridge, Vermont seeing the peak snow of {{convert|12|in|cm}}.[https://www.news10.com/weather/5-9-20-cold-windy-with-snow-showers-this-afternoon/amp/ 5/9/20 Evening Update: Absolutely crazy weather for May….snow-wind-cold….It will be better for Mother’s Day], News10ABC, May 9, 2020 New York City ties 1977 for its latest trace of snow on record. Even Islip, which went snowless in February, picked up a trace from this event, where temperatures fell to a record low {{convert|34|F|C}}.[https://bronx.news12.com/winter-in-may-li-sees-snow-new-record-low-temp-recorded-in-islip-42101114 Winter in May? LI sees snow, new record low temp recorded in Islip], News 12 The Bronx, May 9, 2020 Elkins, West Virginia saw their snowiest day in May on record, with {{convert|1.5|in|cm|abbr=on}} of snow on May 8.[https://www.wunderground.com/article/forecast/regional/news/2020-05-07-mothers-day-weekend-record-cold-snow-bombogenesis-extreme-pattern Stinging Cold Smashes May Records in the Midwest, East and South], Weather Underground, May 12, 2020 The National Weather Service Caribou, Maine was forced to issue their first ever May winter storm warning since 2005.{{cite news |title=This is the first May Winter Storm Warning issued by NWS Caribou since at least 2005, and possibly since taking over forecasts for the region during the middle of 2000. (Data courtesy Iowa State) #mewx |url=https://twitter.com/NWSCaribou/status/1258874179799011328 |access-date=January 30, 2023 |publisher=National Weather Service Caribou, Maine |date=May 9, 2020}} Five thousand customers lost power due to the snow in Maine.[https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/more-than-5000-mainers-without-power-from-spring-storm/97-e7153208-a97b-474e-85a6-61164bc839a0 More than 5,000 Mainers without power from spring storm], News Center Maine, May 9, 2020 Record lows were set as far south as Greenville, North Carolina, which dipped down to {{convert|34|F|C}}. Richmond, Virginia hit the freezing mark, and certain places in Virginia reached {{convert|30|F|C}}. Washington DC saw a record low high of {{convert|52|F|C}}.[https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/polar-vortex-unleashes-rare-may-snow-shatters-historic-low-temperature-records/737126 Polar vortex unleashes rare May snow, shatters historic low temperature records], AccuWeather, May 9, 2020 Several record lows for the entire month of May were set, like Binghamton, New York ({{convert|24|F|C}}), Fort Wayne, Indiana ({{convert|23|F|C}}), Indianapolis ({{convert|27|F|C}}), LaGuardia Airport ({{convert|36|F|C}}), and Jackson, Kentucky ({{convert|30|F|C}}), and tied ones include State College, Pennsylvania ({{convert|27|F|C}}), John F. Kennedy International Airport ({{convert|34|F|C}}), and London, Kentucky ({{convert|28|F|C}}). Daily record lows persisted into May 12.[https://weather.com/forecast/regional/news/2020-05-07-mothers-day-weekend-record-cold-snow-bombogenesis-extreme-pattern Stinging Cold Smashes May Records in the Midwest, East and South], The Weather Channel, May 13, 2020 Nashville saw their coldest {{convert|35|F|C}} date so late in the year, breaking the previous record from 1968 by 3 days.[https://twitter.com/NashSevereWx/status/1259114063151411203 Hit 35° officially at BNA, snapping the May 9 record low: 37° (1960). This was Nashville’s coldest morning this late in the year since records started being kept in 1871. (Latest previous 35° was May 6, 1968).], NashSevereWx, Twitter, May 9, 2020 Philadelphia saw a low of {{convert|35|F|C}} and a wind chill of {{convert|23|F|C}}. The high of {{convert|49|F|C}} tied a record and is typical of early December.[https://www.inquirer.com/weather/philadelphia-weather-record-cold-fairbanks-alaska-winds-arctic-20200509.html?outputType=amp Saturday ties record for coldest May 9 in Philly; but, hey, it might hit 80 Sunday ... in Fairbanks], Philadelphia Inquirer, May 10, 2020 Due to Alaska experiencing a major warmup, sending the cold air east, Fairbanks hit {{convert|80|F|C}} before Philadelphia reached that mark for the first time in history.[https://www.inquirer.com/weather/philadelphia-weather-record-fairbanks-alaska-polar-vortex-20200510.html For first time, Fairbanks, Alaska, hits 80 before Philadelphia; but our turn may be coming], Philadelphia Inquirer, May 10, 2020

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• [https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/storm_summaries/storm_summaries.shtml 2019 Storm Summaries] from the Weather Prediction Center

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Category:2019 meteorology

Category:North American winters

Winter

Category:2020 in North America

Category:2020 meteorology