Meteorologist Amy Freeze explores significant weather patterns across the U.S., highlighting key areas affected by rain, snow, and high temperatures.

National News – 05/12/2025 Meteorologist Amy Freeze here. As we delve into the weather patterns affecting various regions of the U.S., we observe a significant low-pressure system affecting the Midwest with rain and thunderstorms. The Pacific Northwest sees persistent rain, while the Rockies and Plains experience contrasting weather. High and low temperature gradients present new challenges and phenomena. Join me as we explore these patterns in depth at https://amyfreeze.ai/
On the radar, a strong front is advancing from the Pacific into the Pacific Northwest, bringing persistent rain to Seattle and extending along the coast. Meanwhile, Portland experiences occasional showers as this system moves inland. Southern California maintains relatively clear conditions, offering a break from the precipitation seen farther north. Transitioning across the Rockies, we notice a stretch of snow affecting areas around Billings, with the higher elevations likely seeing accumulation. In the central Plains, Kansas City remains dry and cool, while Dallas enjoys calm and clear skies amid the broader stormy backdrop. The Midwest, including Minneapolis, is experiencing overcast skies, but rain remains further southeast. A significant band of showers stretches from Houston through Atlanta up to Washington, D.C., characterized by localized heavy rain impacting travel. The heaviest concentration of precipitation is seen in the Southeast, with intense showers inundating parts of Atlanta, possibly leading to localized flooding. Tampa is also under the influence of significant rain, extending up the eastern seaboard. In the Northeast, New York faces sporadic rain showers, though these are not as severe as their southern neighbors.
Today’s high temperatures across the nation are on the rise. Phoenix is sizzling with a scorching 100 degrees, the standout warm spot in the Southwest. Meanwhile, Los Angeles settles for a mild 67 degrees, creating quite the contrast in the Golden State. Heading to the Midwest, Minneapolis enjoys a warm 89 degrees, while Chicago is slightly more comfortable at 77. Over in the Southeast, Atlanta reaches 76 degrees, and Dallas tops out at a warm 85 degrees, making it one of the hotter areas in Texas. On the East Coast, New York experiences a cooler day at 72 degrees, while Washington, D.C. is slightly warmer at 79 degrees.
Now for the low temperatures. A chilly morning is on tap for the Midwest with Minneapolis dropping to 36 degrees, while Chicago starts at a brisk 41. Heading east, New York City sees a low of 44 degrees, and Washington, D.C. will be slightly milder at 48 degrees. In the Southeast, Atlanta cools down to 39 degrees. Out West, Salt Lake City will feel the chill with a low of 43 degrees, while Los Angeles remains warmer at 55 degrees. Notably, the northern tier states could see some frost as temperatures near or dip below the freezing mark.
High temperatures across the central U.S. for tomorrow are forecast to be unseasonably warm. In Dallas, expect a sizzling high of 95 degrees, while Houston will see a comfortable 93. Oklahoma City will reach 88 degrees, and Memphis is looking at a high of 74, which is near average for this time of year. Moving east, Atlanta can expect a high of 74 degrees, keeping with the warm trend. Further north in Kansas City, temperatures will be slightly cooler with a high around 86 degrees. This warm weather is influenced by a ridge of high pressure settling over the region, providing clear skies and plenty of sunshine.
A strong weather system is setting up across the northern Rockies, moving eastward with rain and snow impacting areas from Billings to the mountains of Montana. Expect snowfall in higher elevations, creating hazardous travel. The system heads towards the Northern Plains, increasing rain chances in Minneapolis by late Thursday. Meanwhile, Seattle remains under persistent rain with potential for brief heavy downpours. In the Midwest, including Chicago and Kansas City, conditions remain dry and mild with temperatures holding steady. The East Coast, from New York to Washington, will continue experiencing rain showers into Thursday, leading to wetter conditions. The Southeast, notably Tampa and Atlanta, stays dry through the period with temperatures around the seasonal average. Watch for possible storm development Wednesday night as a front approaches the Texas coast, bringing thunderstorms to Houston and Dallas.