Old Man Winter has a New Year's resolution to grip US - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

2012 will be the warmest year on record in the Toledo metro area, but the year will end with a blast of cold that could stick around into the new year. A blocking pattern is expected to take place in the Pacific Ocean and to a lesser extent in the Atlantic and the Arctic. This will direct the jet stream into the southern part of the country and allow arctic air to expand across the lower 48. This cold pattern will begin by late this coming week but long range models suggest the pattern itself may last through the first couple weeks of the new year. Temperatures are expected to be colder than average across most of the country as the New Year begins. The jet stream could be stronger than average as well which will lead to more and bigger storms compared to average.