A coastal storm tracking south of New England today will bring light snow to parts of the region, with the most accumulation expected along the South Coast, Cape Cod, and the Islands. While this system is largely missing us, it’s still close enough to deliver coatings to a couple of inches, particularly in southeastern Massachusetts.
The winter storm that brought snow and ice to the southern Mid-Atlantic and Carolinas will move offshore today, with lingering snow showers across parts of Virginia and the central Appalachians. Meanwhile, the bitter Arctic air mass that has dominated the central and eastern U.S. is beginning to slowly moderate, but temperatures will remain well below normal across much of the country.
Subzero temperatures and dangerous wind chills will persist across the northern Plains and Upper Midwest, where wind chills of -20°F to -30°F remain possible. However, temperatures will begin a gradual rebound from the central Plains into the Ohio Valley and Southeast over the next few days, although they will still remain below seasonal averages.
In the Northeast, lake-effect snow continues downwind of the Great Lakes, but will gradually weaken. Meanwhile, a coastal storm passing well offshore will graze Cape Cod and the Islands with light snow late today into tonight. Elsewhere across the Northeast, conditions will remain cold but generally dry.
The Pacific Northwest remains active, with another storm system bringing heavy mountain snow and rain to the region. Snow levels will gradually lower, with several feet of snow expected in the Cascades and northern Rockies.
Looking ahead, the cold pattern in the East will begin to moderate by the weekend, while another system could bring light snow showers to the Great Lakes and Northeast early next week.
Cold conditions remain in place across New England and Upstate New York, but the frigid temperatures and strong winds from earlier in the week have eased. Highs today will struggle to reach the upper 20s and low 30s across southern New England, while interior areas of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine remain stuck in the 20s. Light snow showers will move through parts of the region, particularly in the higher elevations of the Adirondacks, Green Mountains, and White Mountains, with only minor accumulations expected.
Meanwhile, a coastal storm passing well offshore will bring a period of light snow to Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard. Snow will likely begin by this afternoon and continue into pre-dawn Friday, with accumulations of 1-3 inches across Cape Cod and the Islands. While this will not be a major winter storm, slippery roads and reduced visibility could create some travel issues. Gusty north winds (25-35 mph) may also lead to hazardous marine conditions and some minor coastal flooding concerns.
Elsewhere in the Northeast, lake-effect snow showers will continue in western and northern New York, particularly in the Tug Hill Plateau and western Adirondacks, where another 3-6 inches of snow may fall before activity winds down.
By Friday, high pressure will take control, bringing dry but continued cold weather. Breezy northwest winds (20-30 mph) will persist, keeping wind chills in the teens and low 20s during the day. Temperatures will begin to moderate slightly into the weekend, but will remain below normal.
Looking ahead to the weekend, expect dry conditions with highs reaching the 30s in many areas. A weak system may bring a few snow showers late Sunday into Monday, but no significant storms are expected.
