“Are you concerned about the weather affecting your New Year’s Eve plans? The good news is that dry and cooperative conditions are expected across much of the United States as we transition from 2024 to 2025,” stated AccuWeather meteorologist Alex Sosnowski in an online forecast. However, there will be an exception in the East, as a storm is predicted to bring rain and light snow to parts of the northeastern U.S. on New Year’s Eve.
This storm is just the beginning of what could be a cold and stormy start to 2025 for much of the country. New York City, particularly Times Square, will be impacted by the storm, with heavy rain expected from late Tuesday evening into the early hours of Wednesday, just in time for the ball drop event. Officials have issued warnings for attendees to be prepared for the wet weather.
Meanwhile, snow may fall in parts of the Midwest, including the northern and western Great Lakes region, as well as in cities like Chicago and Detroit. The western half of the U.S. is expected to have clear and dry conditions, except for the Pacific Northwest where on-and-off rain is likely.
As we move into the new year, storm systems from the Rockies will bring heavy Lake Effect snow to the Great Lakes region, with significant accumulations expected. Winter storm warnings will be in effect, so it’s important to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts if you’re in these affected areas.”
In northern Ohio, northwestern Pennsylvania, western New York, and much of Vermont, weather advisories have been issued warning residents of imminent treacherous travel conditions. The alerts caution that strong winds reaching up to 40 mph and snow accumulations of 6 to 7 inches are expected to significantly impact the region.
“The hazardous conditions are likely to make travel very difficult, with potential disruptions to both morning and evening commutes from Wednesday through the end of the week,” stated the weather service office in Buffalo, New York.
As concerns arise about the possible arrival of the polar vortex, meteorologists predict that much colder air will sweep across the central, eastern, and southern United States during the first week to 10 days of January. AccuWeather meteorologist Alex Sosnowski warned that the anticipated cold spell could pose a danger to residents, cause damage, and lead to widespread disruptions.
Renowned meteorologist Ryan Maue, known for his accurate predictions, revealed that the Canadian Arctic ‘polar vortex’ is expected to shift towards the Great Lakes and Southeast regions by mid-January. Maue highlighted the prolonged and potentially severe cold weather event that is anticipated to impact the eastern U.S., bringing with it the possibility of significant snowfall from winter storms affecting the South and Northeast.
Sosnowski emphasized the drastic temperature shifts that residents are likely to experience, citing Chicago as an example. Mild conditions with daytime highs in the 40s are projected to prevail until Tuesday. However, as successive blasts of Arctic air make their way into the region, temperatures are anticipated to plummet. Highs from Friday onwards through the following weekend are expected to barely reach the 20s, with temperatures plummeting even further to the 10s from January 7 to 10.
In anticipation of the polar vortex’s potential impact, experts delve into the phenomenon, exploring how it can influence winter weather patterns across the United States. As the situation evolves, residents are advised to stay informed and heed official weather warnings for their safety and preparedness.