A significant winter storm is poised to hit a large portion of the United States this weekend, with Boston and much of the Northeast increasingly likely to land in the jackpot zone for heavy snowfall. The WBZ Weather Team has issued a NEXT Weather Alert, anticipating a notable one-two punch of severe winter conditions from Saturday through Monday.
The coldest air of the season will move in on Friday night, originating from the Arctic region near the North Pole. Low temperatures across southern New England are expected to plummet into the single digits and possibly drop to 10 degrees below zero. Highs on both Saturday and Sunday are unlikely to exceed the teens, making this Arctic air a critical player in the development of what could become an historic winter storm.
A rare convergence of weather systems is set to unfold, with a powerful Canadian high-pressure system colliding with a moist, atmospheric river of air from the Pacific. This clash will create significant winter weather across the southern and eastern United States. By Friday, dozens of states are expected to issue blizzard and ice storm warnings, leading to widespread disruptions in travel as many airports close their doors.
Forecasts indicate that the storm could span over 1,000 miles, impacting much of the eastern half of the country. Snow and ice estimates are staggering, with a swath of 1-2 feet of snow predicted for regions including Oklahoma City, Lexington, Kentucky, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. Cities just south of this snow band, such as Dallas, Little Rock, Nashville, and Charlotte, must prepare for potentially dangerous ice storms that could lead to hundreds of thousands of power outages.
In New England, the latest trends suggest a more northerly track for the storm, indicating higher impact in the area. Snow is expected to commence lightly on Sunday morning and afternoon, with heavier accumulations arriving Sunday evening into Monday. In a worst-case scenario, the region could experience continuous snowfall for nearly 36 hours, possibly resulting in over a foot of snow across most of southern New England.
The cold temperatures mean the snow will be light and fluffy, which can quickly accumulate. Historically, the presence of an Arctic airmass during such storms boosts the snowfall ratio significantly. For instance, a 1.0″ liquid equivalent yield can produce 20″ or more of snow under extreme cold conditions, compared to the standard 10:1 ratio.
Interestingly, it has been nearly four years since Boston saw a snowstorm delivering 6″ or more, marking the second-longest stretch of such dry conditions on record. If the storm delivers as forecasted, it could be a memorable event.
Fortunately, while many major nor’easters traditionally come with heavy winds and coastal impacts, this storm is less likely to feature significant coastal challenges. Tides are relatively low, and while some gusty winds are expected, they aren’t predicted to create substantial issues.
As we approach this significant weather event, it’s essential for residents to stay informed and continue monitoring updates. The WBZ NEXT Weather team is committed to providing the latest forecasts and developments as the storm unfolds.