Chart of the day: North America temperature anomalies in 15 days. Discussion: With a harsh arctic air mass in Eurasia now, the tendency is to look ahead for a similar North America risk. For now, none exists through the middle third of December. However, an arctic air mass is likely to generate in Alaska as calendar winter begins. Week-2 Ahead Forecast valid December 12-18, 2023: Cooler changes Southern U.S., otherwise continued warm. Discussion: Energetic southern latitude storm track budges farther south compared to the last outlook inviting a cooler regime across the Gulf States. Much of the U.S. is drier than normal which causes the Mississippi River low water level to descend. Week-3 Ahead Forecast valid December 19-25, 2023: No sign of cold air. Discussion: Although arctic air is developing in Alaska, Canada remains mild under the maritime Pacific influence. The El Nino storm track is evident across the Southern U.S. where temperate conditions are expected. Week-4 Ahead Forecast valid December 26, 2023-January 1, 2024: Still mild, but Alaska arctic air and potential East Coast storminess to monitor. Discussion: Late December could prove interesting as all eyes are on Alaska arctic air and whether any southward drift may generate. Additionally, forecast models are indicating a possible stormy/cold upper trough developing on the U.S. East Coast.