Approaching is the ceaseless battle against the relentless forces of nature. The conclusion of the intense weather activity in February is on the horizon, but not without a couple of potent winter storms expected to pass through this weekend and mid-next week. Meteorologists at AccuWeather caution that the final storm in this series could be one of the most robust and disruptive before drier Arctic air settles in.
Following a recent midweek storm that brought heavy snow to the Upper Midwest, northern New England, and parts of Canada, a new storm system is brewing and expected to impact the same regions over the coming weekend. AccuWeather’s Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno predicts that this weekend’s storm might track further south and east compared to the previous one, potentially affecting the Midwest and Northeast states with significant snowfall. Cities like Chicago and Detroit could see substantial travel disruptions due to snow accumulation.
Unlike the previous storms, the upcoming weekend storm may have less Arctic air influence, resulting in more rain over the Ohio Valley. However, regions like the mid-Atlantic and southern New England could experience a mix of snow and ice before transitioning to accumulating snow as colder air moves in towards the end of the storm. Areas from Kansas City to St. Louis, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh could all see some wintry weather.
Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia are likely to see rain, while New York City and Boston may experience a mix of rain, snow, and ice. The active storm pattern is expected to conclude next week, with the final storm potentially marking a shift in weather patterns depending on the jet stream orientation.
The storm next week could be significant, with a powerful injection of Arctic air likely to impact the northern Plains. The storm’s track could vary, influencing the type of precipitation different areas might receive. A northward track along the Atlantic coast could bring rain, while an eastward trajectory might result in heavy snowfall for various regions.
There is uncertainty about the exact track of the storms, but both the weekend and next week’s events have the potential to cause travel disruptions and weather-related challenges. Stay informed with AccuWeather alerts and updates to prepare for the upcoming weather systems.
The Southern states are bracing for more severe weather that could bring significant challenges. Heavy rainfall is expected, with the potential to cause localized urban flooding. In the interior Southeast, which has already experienced heavy rain this week and is forecasted to face more in the coming days, the risk of widespread and serious flooding is heightened. The upcoming storms, scheduled for this weekend and the middle of next week, could also usher in some of the most severe thunderstorms seen since last fall.
AccuWeather meteorologists are diligently analyzing the evolving storm patterns, with a clear forecast for next week emerging. Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson predicts a shift to colder, drier conditions for most of the eastern half of the country, except for areas downwind of Lake Ontario and Lake Huron where lake-effect weather may persist. While extensive ice cover is expected to limit lake-effect snow from Lake Erie in certain regions, the possibility of snow bands developing over Lake Huron and moving across Lake Erie remains.
Despite the cold temperatures and brisk mornings, a sunnier outlook is on the horizon for many regions by the end of next week. Anderson notes that the presence of sunshine during this time of year can help mitigate the harshness of the cold, especially during midday and afternoon when winds are gentle or when driving.
For advanced safety measures and ad-free experience, consider subscribing to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. By doing so, you can unlock hyperlocal severe weather alerts provided by expert meteorologists who work around the clock to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.
