Winter Snow Storm Moving Into Northeast

Posted: February 28, 2023 9:44 am

A quick-moving snow storm pushing through the New York City area could bring the first significant measurable snowfall event to the Big Apple by Tuesday. The city has been under a record-breaking snow drought this winter with snowflakes being a scarce commodity. Will this week’s weather maker finally force residents to dig out the snow shovels? Here is the latest.

New York City Braces for Biggest Snow Storm Event of Season

While New York City may finally see meaningful snow out of this late February storm, the heaviest of the snow is forecast to fall across upstate New York and into New England. The precipitation will likely be hanging on during the Tuesday morning commute, making for a potentially rough start to the morning.

Temperatures hovering around the freezing mark in this part of the country will translate to a mix of snow, sleet, and rain. The mercury is expected to rise throughout the day Tuesday, bringing an end to the possibility of snow in New York City. However, the threat of wintry precipitation and dicey travel conditions will hang on throughout the day. You will want to check the road conditions before heading home Tuesday afternoon and evening.

This snow storm system will bring a wide range of accumulation to the region. Conditions could vary widely even over a range of just 50 miles. You can expect a general accumulation of 1 – 3 inches of snow in Manhattan. Heavier snow is forecast to fall to the north of the city with lesser amounts in areas to the south.

For instance, areas such as White Plains, New York and Stamford, Connecticut should be ready for at least a few inches. Heading into the Catskills Mountains and the northwestern corner of Connecticut, you can expect about 6 inches of accumulation.

Warmer temperatures to the south of New York City will mean a snow and rain mix. This weather pattern will keep actual snow accumulation to just a coating of slush.

Although a snow storm of this magnitude would not typically register for New Yorkers, the definitive lack of snow this season will certainly make residents take notice.

New York City Snowfall So Far in 2022-2023

The 2022 – 2023 winter season has been particularly devoid of snow. While the city has seen a fair amount of moisture this winter, unseasonably warm temperatures have kept the precipitation falling as rain rather than snow. Manhattan did not record any snow across a time period from March 9, 2022 through January 31, 2023. This equated to a stretch of 328 consecutive days without measurable snow.

This date range was good enough for claiming the second longest streak of no measurable snowfall in the city’s history. The longest drought still stands at 332 days, dating back to the 2019 – 2020 winter season.

Although snow fell on February 1 of this year across New York City, it was far from a blockbuster snow event. For instance, since February 26, the city’s famed Central Park has only recorded 0.4 of an inch of snow for the entirety of the winter. This is far less than the average of 24.4 inches that the city typically records by the end of February.

Active Weather Pattern Could Deliver More Snow

Those missing the snow will be happy with the forecast this week. An active weather pattern is setting up over the city, increasing the chances of more measurable snow for Manhattan and beyond in the coming days.

The next shot of winter weather will take place beginning on Thursday. The greatest chance of snow for New York City will happen on Friday. If the temperatures are not cold enough to support widespread snow development in the city, forecasters warn that the area will at least see a good amount of rain out of this weather maker.

Forecasters remind people that it only takes a few major snow storms to quickly bring up the snowfall total for the season. Will New York City make up some ground this week? Be sure to stay tuned to the developing forecast.

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