As storms promise to start covering the state in snow, forecasters and experts warn that the new snow could create perfect conditions for avalanches.

A heavy dust storm, which moved from Egypt towards Israel, enveloped the country Saturday morning, and began to dissipate in the afternoon. The Health Ministry recommended avoiding prolonged outdoor exposure, especially for the elderly, babies, and individuals with respiratory issues.

Cooler weather and showers are headed for Southern California starting Tuesday and continuing through the rest of the week. Monday will be the last day of a warm stretch.

"A transition from La Niña to ENSO-neutral is expected in February-April 2026," the Climate Prediction Center said.

The system that would fuel the snow may not even form until Saturday, resulting in low confidence in the forecast for New Jersey, the weather service said.

NWS forecaster Jacob Zeringue said Monday that it is too early to know how the Saturday before Mardi Gras could shape up, as models show differing projections for the timing and location of rain or storms.

The East may have been plunged into a deep freeze this winter, but a hot, dry winter in the West is raising alarms among forecasters.