Well above average to normal temperatures nearly everywhere in the lower 48. The sole exception is FL where ensembles suggest cooler than normal conditions for the first part of January. Near normal along the southern half of the gulf coast states and generally mild everywhere else; especially so over the northern plains and upper mid-west. Although the western artic has cooled off (this creates a pool of very cold air that, depending on the variability of the jet stream, can be shunted into the lower 48) nothing in the ensembles suggests a deep plunge of cold air into the mainland US until after the middle of the month.

This week, strong storms due to an amplified polar jet stream pattern will frequently hit the Pacific NW, and a weak low over southern Louisiana this morning will develop into a "Nor-Easter" bringing heavy rain to much of the eastern seaboard tomorow and some heavy snow/strong winds to upper NY state and northern New England on wednesday. Fairly cool over Texas and Louisiana to start the week but becoming milder; cool in the NE for most of the week; generally mild elsewhere. Essentially no hope for a significant uptick in NG consumption over seasonal values these next 2 weeks based on weather; the next few weeks should bring more declines in the Henry Hub price.