Top Private Weather Firm Reveals Winter Forecast for the Northeast
AccuWeather, one of the largest private weather companies in the U.S., has released its winter forecast for the Northeast, predicting a variable season with differing snowfall levels for coastal and inland areas.
Expected Winter Conditions in the Northeast
The forecast predicts below-average snowfall for coastal regions, including the New York coast, while areas further inland, like Buffalo, are likely to receive near-normal levels of snow. Specifically, AccuWeather forecasts New York City to see between 17 to 21 inches of snow, below the city’s average of 29.8 inches. Meanwhile, Buffalo is expected to receive 90 to 100 inches, closely aligning with its average of 95.4 inches.
Factors Influencing the Forecast
AccuWeather’s Lead Long-Range Expert, Paul Pastelok, cited several factors influencing the winter forecast. Water temperature anomalies in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Gulf of Mexico, and the anticipated La Niña conditions are crucial elements in their predictions. Such teleconnections can create distant climate relationships impacting weather patterns globally.
Temperature Expectations
In addition to snowfall, temperature predictions indicate that nearly all of the Northeast will experience near-normal temperatures. However, coastal areas, including Boston to Philadelphia, may see temperatures 1 to 2 degrees above average. Milder winters, partly due to climate change, have led to less snow near the East Coast in recent years, contributing to thinner snowpack and subsequent drought and fire risks.
Upcoming Weather Patterns
As winter approaches, the Northeast currently experiences mild conditions. A northwest airflow from Canada is bringing cooler air, with moderate temperature variations predicted for the upcoming week. Brief showers are expected in the early week, with more sunshine anticipated later.
| Region | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital Region | Partly to mostly cloudy, high 60s | Sun and cloud mix, high 60 | Mostly sunny, high 50s | Mostly sunny, high 50s |
| Hudson Valley | Clouds then partial clearing, high 60s | Partly to mostly sunny, high 60s | Sunny, high 50s | Sunny skies, high 60s |
Weekend Outlook
By the weekend, temperatures might increase slightly before a cold front reinforces cooler air. Showery weather is possible on Sunday and Monday, coupled with cloud-cover fluctuations throughout the region.
This winter, as forecasted by AccuWeather, suggests intriguing weather dynamics across the Northeast, reflecting nature’s complexity and variability.
