New England finds itself on the cusp of winter’s clash between cold Arctic air to the north and warmer southern air, which keeps our region in the “battle zone” for active weather, says Matt Noyes. Over the next two weeks, the evolving pattern offers both opportunities for accumulating snow and the occasional risk of rain, particularly in southern areas. While this isn’t a pattern for blockbuster snowstorms, there’s still enough activity to excite winter enthusiasts and keep the plows busy in parts of New England.
The overarching setup starts with the polar vortex firmly parked over Canada, driving colder air southward. At the same time, the jet stream has remained active, guiding a steady stream of Pacific moisture and energy across the country. These disturbances bring periodic chances for precipitation to New England, with the key being where warm and cold air meet. This “battle zone” often shifts, determining whether New England sees snow, rain, or a mix.
Although some guidance hints at a potential warm-up by mid-February, cold air typically holds its ground longer and stronger than initial forecasts might suggest. This means that while southern New England could occasionally see rain with these systems, northern New England remains primed for accumulating snow.
As we look into February, New England remains under an active pattern. While it’s not ideal for major snowstorms, the region stays in the “game” for winter weather thanks to a continuous flow of northern stream disturbances. Northern New England, particularly the mountains, could see 1–2 feet of snow over the next 10 days, while southern areas remain more dependent on where the rain/snow line sets up.
By mid-February, guidance suggests a potential reconfiguration of the jet stream, which could allow warmer air to intrude from the south. However, it’s worth noting that cold air often holds its ground longer than models anticipate, especially with snow cover helping to lock in colder temperatures.
For snow lovers in southern New England, this is not the dream pattern, but it’s far from a shutout. The clash of warm and cold air keeps precipitation chances elevated, with some systems delivering snow, others a mix, and some rain. For northern areas, especially ski country, this is a promising setup for frequent snowfall and refreshing the base.
Stay on top of the ever-changing pattern with the Noyes’ 1DegreeOutside Weather App, where you can track precipitation, check hourly forecasts, and monitor the 14-day outlook in real time.
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