Winter Warmth Returns as 2026 Begins

A shift toward milder weather to start 2026

As 2026 gets underway, a notable warm-up is expected to develop across parts of the central United States. Forecast details point to a ridge of high pressure building across the Four Corners and the Plains this weekend. In weather terms, this kind of setup is often associated with calmer conditions and a tendency for temperatures to rise compared to what is typical for the season.

The main headline is the return of above-average warmth, especially for areas that have recently been experiencing winter chill. While it will not be warm everywhere, the pattern is expected to create a clear contrast between regions that see significant warming and those that remain colder.

Where 60-degree highs are expected this weekend

With the ridge developing over the Four Corners and Plains, several cities are expected to see daytime highs reaching into the 60s. This includes Denver, North Platte, Rapid City, and Oklahoma City. For early January, highs in the 60s represent a substantial departure from typical midwinter conditions and may feel more like early spring than the heart of winter.

Because the forecast centers on a broad ridge rather than a brief, localized warm pocket, the warmth is described as above-average and is expected to expand beyond the initial region over time.

• Denver: highs in the 60s
• North Platte: highs in the 60s
• Rapid City: highs in the 60s
• Oklahoma City: highs in the 60s

Warmth spreads eastward next week

After the weekend warm-up in the Plains, the milder air is expected to spread eastward next week. This eastward progression is important for travelers and residents alike, since it suggests the warmth will not remain confined to the central U.S. Instead, more locations will likely experience a noticeable increase in daytime temperatures as the week unfolds.

By midweek, specific temperature benchmarks are highlighted for parts of the South and Mid-Atlantic. By Wednesday, Atlanta is expected to reach the 70s. Farther north, 50-degree highs are forecast to push as far north as Philadelphia. For many people in these areas, that kind of warmth can change the feel of daily routines, from how long it takes to warm up a car in the morning to how comfortable it feels outside during the afternoon.

• By Wednesday: Atlanta expected to be in the 70s
• By Wednesday: 50-degree highs expected as far north as Philadelphia

Great Lakes stay cold, but melting becomes a factor

Not every region is expected to join the warm-up to the same extent. The Great Lakes region is forecast to remain cold. However, even there, temperatures are expected to rise above freezing. That detail matters because it changes what happens on the ground, especially in areas that have existing snow cover.

With temperatures moving above the freezing mark, plenty of snow is expected to melt. This can affect day-to-day conditions in practical ways, including slushier surfaces and changing snowpack depth. Even without a dramatic warm surge, simply crossing above freezing can be enough to accelerate melting, particularly during the warmest part of the day.

What this means for planning and expectations

The forecast paints a picture of an early-January pattern that favors warmth across a wide swath of the country, beginning in the Four Corners and Plains and then spreading east. For people making plans, the key takeaway is that temperatures may feel surprisingly mild in several major cities, with 60s in parts of the central U.S. this weekend, 70s possible in Atlanta by Wednesday, and 50s reaching northward to Philadelphia.

At the same time, the Great Lakes are expected to stay cold overall, even as temperatures edge above freezing and promote snowmelt. That regional split underscores why it is important to look at city-specific expectations rather than assuming one uniform winter pattern across the entire country.

City-by-city temperature highlights mentioned in the forecast

• Denver: highs in the 60s this weekend
• North Platte: highs in the 60s this weekend
• Rapid City: highs in the 60s this weekend
• Oklahoma City: highs in the 60s this weekend
• Atlanta: expected to be in the 70s by Wednesday
• Philadelphia: 50-degree highs expected to push as far north as the city by Wednesday
• Great Lakes: remains cold, but temperatures expected to rise above freezing with snowmelt anticipated

Overall, the start of 2026 is shaping up to feature a significant pocket of winter warmth, first across the Plains and then expanding eastward next week, while colder conditions linger around the Great Lakes despite a thaw above freezing that should lead to melting snow.