Snow showers and pockets of snow expand across New England today as an approaching disturbance from the west transfers energy to the coast & develops into a substantial ocean storm passing south and east of the region. Danielle has the latest timing and snow accumulation map in the video & read on for the National and Northeast weather summary.
A dynamic winter weather pattern persists across the U.S., characterized by significant regional variations. In the eastern U.S., a combination of an approaching clipper system and a developing coastal low off the Mid-Atlantic will bring snow and mixed precipitation from the Ohio Valley to New England. The snow is expected to intensify across the Poconos, Catskills, and portions of northern Pennsylvania and southern New York, with light accumulations possible in surrounding areas. Coastal New England, especially Cape Cod and Downeast Maine, may see periods of heavy snow or mixed precipitation, with some areas receiving upwards of 4 inches.
In the central U.S., cold air continues to settle in under a sprawling high-pressure system, keeping temperatures well below average, especially across the northern Plains and Midwest. Lake-effect snow is ongoing across the Great Lakes, driven by the cyclonic flow associated with the departing clipper system. Accumulations are expected to be light to moderate, though localized bands may lead to heavier totals in favored lake-effect regions.
Out West, a strong upper-level ridge dominates, leading to record or near-record warmth, especially across the Southwest and Great Basin, where highs may climb into the 70s and 80s. Meanwhile, the Pacific Northwest sees intermittent rain and high-elevation snow as a series of weak systems brush the coast.
The Northeast faces a snowy day as an active weather pattern unfolds. A clipper system combined with a coastal low developing off the Mid-Atlantic coast will bring snow, mixed precipitation, and gusty winds to the region. Snow is likely to begin this morning across New York and Pennsylvania, spreading eastward into New England by afternoon. The heaviest snow is forecast for interior areas, including the Poconos, Catskills, and southern Green and White Mountains, where 2 to 5 inches of fluffy accumulation is possible. The I-95 corridor, including Boston and New York City, will likely see a mix of rain and snow with minimal accumulation, though icy patches could form as temperatures drop.
Coastal areas, particularly Cape Cod and Downeast Maine, will experience enhanced snowfall as the coastal low strengthens offshore. Strong northeasterly winds that may create blowing snow and reduced visibility.
Temperatures will struggle to reach the freezing mark across much of the region, with highs in the upper 20s to lower 30s. Winds will shift northwest late in the day, ushering in colder air for the evening. Travelers should prepare for slippery roads and reduced visibility during the afternoon and evening commutes. Clearing skies are expected to the west overnight, with lingering snow showers near the coast.
