Snow Squalls a Worry to Close Out the Weekend in the Northeast

Posted: February 26, 2022 4:32 am

The roller coaster ride for the Northeast is expected to continue this weekend with snow squalls being named the primary danger over the next few days.

Shift in Temperatures to Trigger Potential of Snow Squalls

The squalls will be triggered by a new push of Arctic air coming down from Canada. This air will come on the heels of the latest winter storm that is predicted to bring a fresh load of snow through the northern parts of the Northeast and rain to the mid-Atlantic to close out the week.

It has been a wild ride for temperatures over the last week in the Northeast. For example, the daily high readings in New York City over the last few weeks have ranged from the mid-20s to near 70 degrees. After enjoying a mild start to the week, the cold temperatures made an appearance once again on Thursday.

This unstable air is what is causing the massive amounts of precipitation that continue to plague the region. Residents can expect more of the same for the weekend after a ridge of dry and cold air moves in on Saturday. While the atmosphere will remain relatively peaceful for this day, another pocket of warmer air moving in on Sunday will provide the necessary ingredients to trigger a new round of precipitation for the Northeast.

Colder on Saturday, Warmer on Sunday

The high temperatures readings on Saturday will hover about 5 – 15 degrees below normal. The northern tier of New England will see highs struggle to reach 20 degrees largely due to a significant amount of snow still covering the ground. Highs will reach the middle 40s moving into the mid-Atlantic and the Chesapeake Bay area.

However, a slight warmup is in the forecast for Sunday. Temperatures will rebound to near average levels by the time the weekend comes to a close. Highs will range from the 30s in New England to the 50s in the mid-Atlantic region.

This shift in temperatures will deliver the energy needed for flurries and snow to develop just ahead of yet another cold front that is predicted to drop into the U.S. by late Sunday. The change in mercury readings will likely create precipitation throughout the area.

Snow Squalls a High Possibility

The greatest likelihood of precipitation will come in the form of snow squalls. These heavy snow showers can come from seemingly out of nowhere, hitting quickly without warning. Snow squalls are particularly dangerous to motorists because of the rapid reduction in road visibility. The squalls also present danger as the snow can quickly accumulate on the roads and cause slippery conditions.

The area most at risk of seeing snow squalls hinder travel includes the northern and western parts of Pennsylvania stretching to upstate New York and into New England. Motorists in this area should be particularly vigilant about the possibility of quickly changing weather conditions. The interstate highways most at risk for snow squalls throughout the day Sunday and into the overnight hours include 79, 80, 81, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, and 95.

Keep in mind that it just takes one intense snow squall to cause a chain reaction vehicle accident.

The worst of the snow squalls will likely not impact the mid-Atlantic. However, some snow showers may move into the area by late Sunday. If you are traveling via car this weekend throughout the Northeast and the northern part of the mid-Atlantic, your best bet for optimal road conditions will be on Saturday.

More Cold on the Way

By Monday, the temperatures will be back to below average readings thanks to the mass of Arctic air. The highs in the northern tier of New England to start the work week will only be in the teens. It will be a chilly 40 degrees in the Chesapeake Bay Area. These readings are forecast to be about 15 – 25 degrees lower than what people will see on Sunday, a more seasonable day by late February standards.

This colder air to start the week may instigate a new round of snow squalls on Tuesday.

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