Texas, Louisiana, Gulf Coast and Others Bracing for Major Heat Dome as Jet Stream Shifts North, Bringing 10–15° Above-Normal Temperatures Before Christmas
TEXAS — A major pattern shift is developing across the United States as meteorologists track a powerful heat dome expected to dominate the southern half of the country over the next 6–10 and 8–14 days. New forecast data shows the jet stream lifting unusually far north, allowing warm air to surge across the South and set up one of the strongest warm spells of December 2025.
Jet Stream Pushes North, Opening the Door for Widespread Warmth
The ECMWF outlook shows the jet stream arching high over the northern states, creating a broad zone of high pressure beneath it. This setup allows warm air to pool across the southern tier of the country, forming what forecasters describe as a large heat dome.
Under this pattern, Texas and the Gulf Coast are projected to climb into the 80s, an extraordinary temperature range for late December.
10–15 Degrees Above Normal Across the South
Across much of the South, temperatures are expected to run 10–15° above seasonal averages, pushing afternoon highs into:
- Upper 60s
- Low 70s
- Even warmer near the Gulf Coast
Meteorologists reviewing the latest runs say some regions may reach 70° on Christmas Eve, continuing a warm-leaning winter pattern noted earlier in the season.
NOAA Temperature Outlooks Confirm a Widespread Warm Phase
Government 6–10 day and 8–14 day temperature outlooks both show broad “Above Normal” zones covering nearly the entire central and southern United States.
The warmest anomalies appear centered over:
- Texas
- Oklahoma
- Arkansas
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Alabama
- Georgia
These maps indicate a strong confidence in the warm pattern persisting through at least December 30.
Pattern Consistent With Earlier Winter Predictions
Forecasters note that this shift aligns with outlooks discussed in early autumn, which suggested a warmer-than-normal winter punctuated by occasional arctic outbreaks. While cold snaps remain possible later in the season, the immediate trend sharply favors warmth.
NapervilleLocal.com will continue tracking developing national weather patterns as updated forecasting data becomes available.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.