It’s a cold, windy day across New England, with gusts near 40 mph adding a bite to the air. Subzero wind chills are expected overnight, and upslope snow continues in the mountains. Meteorologist Danielle Noyes explains what to expect, how cold it will feel, and updates on the weekend storm potential. Plus read on for the National and Northeast weather summaries.
National Weather Summary
The United States begins the day under the influence of varied regional weather patterns. A potent Arctic air mass entrenched over the central and eastern U.S. continues to drive temperatures well below average, with daytime highs ranging 10 to 20 degrees below seasonal norms. Lingering lake-effect snow persists in the Great Lakes region, fueled by cold, northwesterly winds. Additional light snow accumulations are expected, particularly southeast of Lakes Erie and Ontario, with localized higher amounts in favored areas.
In the Northeast, the influence of a sprawling upper-level low over eastern Canada supports occasional light snow and snow showers, particularly in northern New England and the mountains. Upslope-enhanced snowfall in northern New York and Vermont will contribute to accumulating snow over higher elevations.
The western U.S. sees a mix of conditions. An amplified upper ridge brings dry and mild weather to the Pacific Northwest and California, while a trough across the Southwest results in scattered snow showers over parts of the Colorado Rockies, the Mogollon Rim, and northern New Mexico. Farther south, high winds in southern California create critical fire weather conditions due to a Santa Ana wind event, with gusts reaching 60 mph in higher terrain.
Looking ahead, attention shifts to the Gulf Coast and Southeast, where moisture from the Gulf of Mexico begins to interact with a developing low-pressure system. This system is forecast to bring rain and the potential for wintry precipitation across parts of Texas and the Lower Mississippi Valley later this week.
Northeast Weather Story
The Northeast continues to feel the chill of an Arctic air mass, with high temperatures struggling to climb out of the teens and 20s for much of the region. Overnight lows have plunged into the single digits across interior areas, with subzero wind chills making for bitterly cold conditions. Strong northwest winds, gusting to 35-45 mph in exposed and higher terrain, add to the brisk and blustery feel.
The weather pattern remains active in northern New England, with persistent upslope snow showers affecting the higher elevations of the Adirondacks, Green Mountains, and White Mountains. Snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches are possible in these areas through Wednesday morning, with locally higher amounts at the summits. For much of the region, however, the day will be dry, with partial clearing and plenty of sunshine from southern New York to coastal New England.
The lake-effect snow machine is also in play across western New York, where cold, northwesterly winds off Lake Ontario are driving snow bands inland. While not as intense as earlier events, these snow showers could lead to minor accumulations and localized travel disruptions.
The bitter cold will continue through midweek, with no significant warm-up expected.