Alberta Clipper Pushes Down Into Portions of the Northern U.S.

Posted: December 5, 2023 9:00 am

An incoming Alberta Clipper storm is already impacting portions of the northern Plains as it gets set to expand into some communities in the Midwest and the Northeast through at least Tuesday. This early December clipper storm will bring a mix of rain and snow depending on the temperatures when the moisture begins to fall. Here is what you need to know about this winter storm.

Major Cities Could See Light Snow Out of Alberta Clipper Storm

The latest Alberta Clipper is forecast to dip to the south, bringing some major metropolitan areas in line for snowfall. These clipper storms get their name from their origination point in the Canadian province of Alberta. This type of weather maker typically moves at a fast clip as it travels along with the jet stream moving through the Great Lakes and the Northeast.

The storm is predicted to sweep into North Dakota on Monday before pushing into the western edge of the Great Lakes by the evening and overnight hours. By Tuesday, the clipper will be churning in the Ohio Valley, swiftly making a trek through the Northeast and eventually to the mid-Atlantic coastline and out to sea by early Wednesday.

Areas to the south of the storm system will experience mostly rain with some light snow mixing into the precipitation. To the north of the track, you will find all snow along with much colder temperatures.

This clipper storm will not pack a big punch when it comes to snowfall accumulation. However, motorists should be aware of the risk of slippery spots on the roads, especially across the higher terrains of the region.

Cities that could see light snow out of this system include Milwaukee, Chicago, and Detroit. Temperatures are anticipated to hover just above the freezing mark in these metropolitan areas, likely mitigating the chance of accumulating snow on the roads and sidewalks.

For instance, after a day dry on Monday, Detroit will wake up to light snow showers on Tuesday. Highs will climb into the upper 30s with lows dropping into the upper 20s after the sun goes down.

The greatest risk of slippery roads in this region will be in the overnight hours on Monday as the mercury drops just below the freezing mark. Be uses to take caution when heading out during this time period.

What to Expect on Tuesday as the Storm Marches to the East

The flakes may be flying by dawn on Tuesday in cities to the east, including the Cleveland metro area. Temperatures are forecast to hit about 40 degrees, translating to a mix of rain and snow during the afternoon hours. However, straight snow is back in the forecast for the overnight hours as the temperatures fall a few more degrees. It should be noted that this is a fluid situation with any slight variation in the mercury readings impacting how the moisture falls.

The bulk of the moisture will move into the central Appalachians and the mid-Atlantic by late in the day Tuesday. Slushy snowfall is on tap for the higher terrains of southwestern Pennsylvania and down into western Maryland and West Virginia.

The current storm track will move to the south of New England where temperature readings are the coldest. Temperatures along the coastal areas of the Northeast are expected to hover around the norm for this time of the year until the middle of the week when the mercury dips a bit more. Breezy conditions will likely bring the real feel temperatures down even more, making for some chilly weather in this corner of the country.

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