New England winter & snow lovers – Danielle says with high pressure in control of the weather, now’s the time to get outside & enjoy this beautiful winter day! Send the kiddos out to play, hit the slopes, or soak up some vitamin D. Read on for the National & Northeast weather summaries!
National Weather Summary
Stormy Weather in the Northwest and Southeast: The northwestern United States remains locked in a stormy weather pattern, fueled by a series of atmospheric rivers bringing heavy rain to lower elevations and significant snow to the mountains. By the weekend, rainfall totals of 3–5 inches are expected across parts of the Washington and Oregon Cascades, as well as northern California coastal mountains. Snowfall totals in the highest elevations could reach 1–3 feet. This continuous precipitation is likely to lead to rising streamflows, soil saturation, and an increasing risk of river flooding, mudslides, and rockslides.
Meanwhile, in the southeastern U.S., a developing storm system will spread rain from the Lower Mississippi Valley northeastward into the Tennessee Valley and Mid-Atlantic. Light freezing rain may develop across parts of northern New England early Friday into Saturday before transitioning to rain as warm air surges in. Although drought conditions have improved in parts of the South and East, many areas remain below average in precipitation, making this rain beneficial hydrologically.
Temperatures: Much of the lower 48 will continue to experience above-average temperatures as Arctic air remains confined well to the north. Areas west of the Mississippi River will see continuation of warm conditions, with record-breaking highs possible in parts of the Central Plains and Midwest. Highs in the southern Plains could climb into the 70s and 80s. Temperatures east of the Mississippi River will also moderate, reversing a below-average trend that persisted earlier this month.
Northeast Weather Story
Active Weather Arrives for the Weekend: A brief quiet period continues across New England on Friday, with dry conditions under high pressure. Daytime highs will range from the upper 30s to low 40s, with a mix of sunshine and increasing high clouds late in the day. Friday night, attention turns to a developing weather system approaching from the southwest. Moisture will arrive late Friday night into Saturday morning, bringing light precipitation to much of the region.
Freezing Rain Potential: Areas across interior New England, especially higher elevations in northern and western Massachusetts, southern Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, could see light freezing rain early Saturday morning. This will create slippery travel conditions on untreated roads and surfaces. As temperatures rise above freezing during the day, precipitation will transition to rain, with only minor ice accumulations expected.
Weekend Rainfall Concerns: By Saturday night into Sunday, widespread rain will overspread the region. Periods of moderate to heavy rain are expected, especially across southern and coastal New England. Rainfall totals of 1–2 inches are possible, with locally higher amounts along upslope-prone regions like the Berkshires and Green Mountains. Melting snowpack and frozen ground could exacerbate runoff, resulting in minor river rises and urban ponding, though widespread flooding is not anticipated at this time.
Marine and Aviation Impacts: Marine interests should prepare for deteriorating conditions late Saturday, as increasing south winds ahead of a strong cold front may lead to Small Craft Advisory conditions across the coastal waters. Aviation impacts will include reduced visibilities and IFR ceilings in rain and low clouds.
Looking Ahead: High temperatures across New England will climb into the 40s and 50s by Sunday, unseasonably mild for late December. However, a return to colder, more seasonable conditions is expected by mid-next week as a new storm system develops. The region could see a mix of rain and snow with this next system, bringing additional active weather into the new year.