December will kick off with rain and snow spreading across the Northeast through the weekend, starting with a round on Friday and early Saturday as a cold front approaches from the west.
Tropical moisture flowing north from the Gulf of Mexico will interact with the front to produce widespread rain, the FOX Forecast Center said.
“Look at that bull’s-eye right over Maine, where you’ve got some snow coming down,” FOX Weather Meteorologist Craig Herrera said. “That will be a welcome sight for you.”
WHY SNOWFALL RATE IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTANDING WINTER WEATHER
It is expected to be too warm for most places to see snow, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s. However, in the higher-terrain areas of New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, the colder air will enable the precipitation to fall as a few inches of snow.
WHEN IS THE COLDEST TIME OF YEAR?
The heaviest rain and snowfall is expected to end by Saturday’s sunrise. However, there will be lingering moisture, resulting in plenty of clouds and a few leftover showers throughout Saturday.
As low pressure finally rolls through the region, widespread rain and mountain snow will roll through the mid-Atlantic and Northeast on Sunday.
Some of the rain may be heavy at times Sunday and Sunday night. However, this should not result in any flooding, the FOX Forecast Center said.
Most cities, such as Boston, New York City and Philadelphia, will experience a chilly rain as temperatures will be too warm to see snow. However, colder air aloft over the interior Northeast will cause snow to fall over the higher terrain.
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This round of snow may be heavier than the first round, potentially leading to travel impacts.
WHAT MAKES A STORM A NOR’EASTER?
According to the FOX Forecast Center, computer forecast models suggest the active weather pattern will continue into next week, bringing several rounds of rain and snow to the Northeast. However, no major storms or nor’easters that would cause significant travel disruptions are currently predicted.