A weather system on the way could bring the first measurable snow of the season along the Interstate 95 corridor, between New York and Boston, just in the last weekend before Christmas.
The forecasted weather conditions indicate the possibility of intense snow showers, thanks to the interaction between two weather systems, one cold coming from the northwest, the other humid from the south.
Interaction between an Alberta Clipper and a coastal cyclone
The first system, a fast-moving Alberta Clipper – a rapidly moving weather system from Canada towards the Midwest, the Great Lakes, and then the Atlantic coast – will cross the Northeast on Friday afternoon, bringing cold air and potentially snow.
Simultaneously, a coastal cyclone off the eastern coast, developing near the Carolinas, will add energy to the weather scenario.
The combination of these two systems could amplify or limit the snowfall, depending on how they interact.
This configuration could create an energy transfer along the eastern coast.
The Alberta Clipper could indeed be absorbed by the coastal cyclone, favoring the formation of precipitation along the path.
The cities of Boston, New York, and Philadelphia could see precipitation, including snowfall, with the best chances for Boston.
Timing and expected accumulations
Precipitation will begin on Friday evening, with the peak intensity expected between night and Saturday morning.
Current models indicate that Boston, Providence in Rhode Island, and Bridgeport in Connecticut could receive between 0.8 and 3.1 inches of snow.
However, for New York City, the possibility of snow remains uncertain and will depend on three key factors: the amount of available moisture, the position of the cyclone, and the presence of sufficient cold air.
Sharp temperature drop
After the snow system passes, a sharp drop in temperatures is expected in the Northeast, with values dropping to 14°F or lower at the beginning of next week.
The cold could be intense, but temperatures will gradually rise as Christmas approaches.
This first taste of seasonal snow represents an anticipated event for many cities along the I-95 corridor, offering characteristic winter landscapes just in time for the Christmas holidays.
Follow our feed
