Snow on ground in 49 states, almost none in air

Snow cover image valid this morning. Source: NOAA

For the second time this winter, snow covers the ground in portions of every state (including Hawaii, just barely) except Florida. NOAA's National Snow Analyses indicate almost two thirds (65 percent) of the lower 48 is covered by snow today.

The snow cover is the most extensive since the period around January 11, when at one point, snow covered more than 70% of the lower 48. In both cases, unusual storms tracked across the deep South, producing snow in places not accustomed to it.

Bitter Arctic air has followed in the wake of the storm. The temperature in Nowata, Oklahoma dropped to a frigid -31°F this morning - the coldest reading on record for that state (unofficially) and colder than the South Pole this morning. Chicago dropped to -9°F.

But the cold and snow is not going to stick around long.

A major warming trend commences this weekend across south central U.S. that should build north and northeastward next week. AccuWeather indicates temperatures may be 100 degrees warmer this time next week relative to this morning in parts of the south central U.S.

National radar at 1 p.m. Thursday. Source: Washington Post Weather

As for now, virtually the entire U.S. is precipitation free with the exception of some rain showers in south Florida and scattered snow showers in the northern Rockies and around the Great Lakes. You don't see so little precipitation over the U.S. very often.