Danielle brings you the latest New England forecast which features areas of light snow this morning followed by improvement by midday and a quiet stretch of weather through much of the remainder of this week. Read on for the National & Northeast weather summaries.
National Weather Summary
The U.S. experiences an active weather pattern today. An impactful atmospheric river continues to drench northern California and western Oregon, delivering heavy rainfall of 2-4 inches and mountain snow above 6,000 feet, with snowfall totals exceeding a foot in the Sierra Nevada. Travel through mountain passes will be hazardous due to the snow.
Farther east, a relatively weak but moisture-laden system brings light to moderate snow from the central Appalachians through the Northeast, enhancing the odds of a White Christmas for parts of New England. Snowfall accumulations of 1-3 inches are common, with localized amounts reaching up to 5 inches in northern New York and western Maine.
Across the southern Plains, an emerging surface low generates scattered showers and thunderstorms in Texas, with isolated heavy downpours and thunderstorm activity extending into Arkansas and Missouri. A Marginal Risk of excessive rainfall is in place for these regions.
Temperature-wise, much of the country enjoys mild conditions for December, with highs running 10-20 degrees above normal in the central and southern Plains. The eastern U.S. sees a moderation in recent cold, with temperatures rebounding into the 40s and 50s across much of the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic.
The Pacific Northwest braces for another atmospheric river by Wednesday, bringing additional rain and snow to the region.
Northeast Weather Story
A clipper system sweeps through the Northeast today, spreading light to moderate snowfall from New York to Maine. Snow begins early this morning in central and northern New York before spreading into New England. The heaviest snow falls across higher elevations of the Adirondacks, Green Mountains, and western Maine, where totals of 4-6 inches are possible. For most areas, including the Hudson Valley and southern New England, snowfall accumulations range from 1-3 inches, with the band weakening as it moves east. Coastal and southern areas, including parts of Long Island and southeast Connecticut, may see some mixing with rain, reducing snow totals.
Travel conditions are hazardous during the morning commute, particularly in areas under Winter Weather Advisories. As the snow exits eastward by midday, roads will gradually improve. Highs reach the upper 20s to mid-30s across the region.
Behind the system, high pressure builds in, bringing dry and cold conditions tonight. Christmas Day features clear skies and seasonable highs in the upper 20s to low 30s, with a classic White Christmas expected for much of the region where fresh snow is on the ground. Light north winds enhance the crisp winter feel. This tranquil pattern continues through the remainder of the week, making for calm holiday travel and outdoor celebrations.