Nor'easter Expected to Bring First Seasonal Snow to Parts of the Northeast
Meteorologists warn that a developing nor'easter could deliver the first snowfall of the season to areas of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic later this week, followed by a brief cold snap.
A nor'easter forming later this week may bring the season's first snow to millions across the northeastern United States, according to meteorologists. AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said a shift from a recent warm spell will usher cooler conditions and the potential for early snowfall.
The Weather Prediction Center noted uncertainty in the storm's track but indicated heavier rain is likely over the northern Mid-Atlantic, with early-season snow possible in higher terrain of the Appalachians, especially in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Fox Weather expects widespread rain across the East, while major Northeast and Mid-Atlantic cities are projected to see mainly cold rain.
NOAA's Climate Prediction Center forecasts that the cold snap will be short-lived, with temperatures returning to above-average levels by next week, contributing to one of the nation's top ten warmest Novembers on record.
AccuWeather predicts that locations from the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, the Appalachians and New England could see snow between Thursday, Nov. 12, and Saturday, Nov. 14, as the system intensifies. Buckingham identified Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Binghamton and the mountainous Poconos, Catskills and Berkshires as areas at risk for their first snowflakes of the season. Weather.com meteorologist Rob Shackelford said snow chances could begin Thursday night across interior Northeast regions, though cities such as Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City and Boston are expected to remain too warm for snow due to the nearby Atlantic Ocean.
The Weather Prediction Center also warned of possible lake-effect rain and snow showers as colder air moves south across the Great Lakes.
Meteorologist Matt Lanza noted that November snow is not uncommon in the Northeast, citing average November snowfall totals for Albany, Scranton and New York City, but cautioned that marginal temperatures may limit accumulation from this modest storm.
Shackelford highlighted a deep trough in the jet stream that will cause temperatures to drop about 20 degrees from Wednesday, Nov. 11, to Friday, Nov. 13, with lows reaching the 30s as far south as the Florida Panhandle. The cold spell is expected to subside as warmer-than-average temperatures return next week.