The Northeast is bracing for another round of snowy weather, with whiteout conditions forecast to make travel challenging early this week. AccuWeather meteorologists warn that snow showers, squalls, and gusty winds are set to accompany two clipper systems rolling down from Canada, impacting areas from the Great Lakes to New England.
Winter’s Relentless Grip
After enduring a bitter cold spell last week, many residents across the Midwest and Northeast might have hoped for some reprieve. Cities such as Minneapolis and Pittsburgh saw repeated subzero temperatures, driving up heating demands. While the mercury has climbed slightly, temperatures remain cold enough to support rounds of snow into the week ahead.
Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham cautioned that the early-week weather pattern will bring a “one-two punch” of wintry conditions. A cold front and a fast-moving clipper system will team up to deliver biting winds and bursts of snow through midweek.
Gusty Winds and Blowing Snow
Monday and Monday night will feature strong west-to-southwest winds, with gusts reaching 40 mph in many areas from eastern Minnesota to the New England coast. These winds will not only intensify the cold but also create hazardous conditions, including blowing snow and reduced visibility.
AccuWeather’s RealFeel® temperatures will plummet into the single digits across much of the region Monday morning, with slightly milder but still frigid conditions farther south. Even ice anglers planning trips to locations such as Michigan’s Saginaw Bay are being urged to take precautions. High winds could break ice sheets free, creating life-threatening situations for those venturing out onto frozen waters.
Travel Disruptions from Snow Squalls
Between Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning, a cold front sweeping southward will trigger snow squalls capable of creating sudden whiteout conditions. These squalls can deposit a quick burst of snow, leaving roads treacherous. Portions of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York are expected to see the heaviest accumulation, with snow showers reaching as far south as interstates 80, 81, and 76 in Pennsylvania.
Boston and parts of Massachusetts will also be in the path of visibility-reducing snow into Tuesday morning, potentially bringing traffic to a halt during peak travel times.
As January transitions into February, temperatures across the Northeast are expected to moderate slightly. However, the region continues to face a snow deficit along the I-95 corridor, which has led to severe drought conditions in some areas. Philadelphia, for example, has received just 4.9 inches of snow since October about half of its seasonal average.
Despite the slight warm-up expected in early February, residents are urged to remain vigilant during the week ahead as snow squalls and icy conditions continue to pose safety risks.
