A storm moving from the northern Plains towards the Midwest and Northeast early this week will bring a mix of snow and rain, affecting travel and potentially dampening outdoor celebrations in New York City. The storm will track across the north-central United States from Monday to Tuesday, with snow extending from Montana to Iowa. Rain is expected in areas from St. Louis to Indianapolis and Pittsburgh due to mild Pacific air ahead of the storm. As the storm progresses, colder air will mix in, allowing for snow to develop along parts of the Interstate 70 corridor.
Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit can expect periods of rain and wet snow on Tuesday into Tuesday evening, posing slippery conditions for travelers, especially in the suburbs. Moving towards the Northeast states from Tuesday to Wednesday, rain will fall over the Ohio Valley, mid-Atlantic, New England coasts, central Appalachians, and southern New England mountains.
In New York City, rain is forecasted to start between 7 and 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, lasting until 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day, with heavy periods expected. Temperatures will be around 50 F at midnight, but RealFeel® Temperatures may feel close to the 30s or 40s due to the rain and wind. Thunder and lightning may accompany the rain on New Year’s Eve. Some colder air behind the storm will bring a transition from rain to snow in parts of the central and northern Appalachians, with lake-effect snow following around the Great Lakes.
Snow accumulation in the central and northern Appalachians will vary based on elevation, with higher elevations seeing 1-6 inches and up to 24 inches in the ridges and peaks of northern New England. Snow-covered and slippery roads are likely in higher elevations along Interstates 70, 80, 84, and 89. Lake-effect snow is expected in northern Michigan and areas near Lake Ontario, potentially bringing 3-6 inches from Tuesday night to Thursday. Colder air moving in will sustain lake-effect snow into the weekend.
A significant weather pattern shift is anticipated across the Central and Southern United States in the coming days. This shift is expected to usher in some of the coldest air seen in years, accompanied by storms bringing snow and ice as each new surge of cold air moves through the region until the middle of the month.
For those seeking even greater safety and convenience, the option to access advanced severe weather alerts through the AccuWeather app’s Premium+ subscription service is available. By subscribing to Premium+, users can unlock hyperlocal alerts that provide in-depth information and guidance specifically tailored to their location. These AccuWeather Alerts™ are vigilantly managed by a team of seasoned meteorologists who work around the clock to identify and assess potential weather hazards, thereby enhancing the security of you and your loved ones.
