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Northeast Braces for Winter Storm and Arctic Blast
13 Dec
Summary
- A major snow storm will impact central and northeastern US cities.
- Bitterly cold Arctic air is set to spread across the US.
- A subsequent warm spell may ruin White Christmas hopes for millions.
A significant winter storm is poised to impact the central and northeastern United States this weekend, bringing several inches of snow to major cities. Forecasters describe it as a 'baby Nor'easter,' with accumulations potentially reaching 3 to 6 inches or more in some areas. This snow is expected along a 1,500-mile stretch from the northern Plains to southern New England.
Following the storm, a powerful Arctic blast is anticipated, driven by the polar vortex. This 'mother lode of cold air' will spread well below-normal temperatures across the Midwest, Ohio and Tennessee Valleys, and even to the Gulf Coast. Record low temperatures are possible, with wind chills potentially dipping into the teens as far south as the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.
However, this intense cold is not expected to last. A weather system moving across the Western U.S. is predicted to bring a significant warm spell to much of the lower 48 states by midweek. This 'December thaw' could erode the snow cover before Christmas, dashing hopes for a White Christmas for millions and impacting ski conditions.
