As winter presses on, the Midwest and Northeast are bracing for another round of cold air and wintry conditions. While not as intense as the frigid cold of mid-January, the upcoming cold waves could still cause travel disruptions and bring a mix of snow showers and gusty winds to the region.
According to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Reneé Duff, bursts of cold air will move across the northeastern United States from the weekend through the middle of next week. This chilly weather will stem from cold air traveling south from the Canadian Prairies, bringing a more typical middle-of-winter chill compared to the extreme Siberian air seen earlier in the season.
Unlike January’s severe cold snaps, which plunged temperatures to 15-30 degrees Fahrenheit below average, this new weather pattern is expected to be less extreme. Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham notes that the cold waves will bring temperatures up to 8 degrees below average, with some warmer periods in between.
For cities like Chicago and New York, this means the coldest nights will hover around the 10s and 20s, significantly milder than the subzero temperatures experienced earlier this winter. Northern New England, however, may face colder temperatures closer to the extremes of the past week, as the Siberian air shifts slightly southward.
The incoming cold air will bring with it fast-moving storms known as Alberta clippers. Originating in northwestern Canada, these clippers often carry snow showers and gusty winds, which can reduce visibility and create slippery travel conditions.
While many snow showers are light and barely coat the ground, there’s a potential for heavier snow squalls. These sudden, intense bursts of snow can dramatically reduce visibility to near zero, posing significant risks for motorists. Duff warns that snow squalls are most likely from late Saturday into Sunday and again from Monday into Tuesday, particularly across the Great Lakes and Northeast.
High winds accompanying the snow could also cause sheets of ice to break loose on the Great Lakes, adding to the hazardous conditions. Travelers are advised to stay alert, monitor weather updates, and plan for delays at airport hubs due to slippery runways and deicing operations.
Later in the week, the weather is expected to shift. While the East may experience a brief reprieve from the cold, parts of the West will see chillier, wetter, and stormier conditions. Despite the easing of frigid temperatures in the East, storms with rain, snow, and wintry mixes are still likely.
For those in the Midwest and Northeast, it’s a good time to stock up on winter essentials, check travel plans, and prepare for potentially tricky driving conditions as winter’s grip continues.
