2:00 PM | Mid-week storm threat for the Mid-Atlantic/Northeast U.S.

Discussion

A pretty consistent pattern in the Mid-Atlantic region during this overall colder-than-normal winter has been to get a 2 or 3 day break of milder weather that is then followed by an accumulating snow event as colder air returns to the region. For example, Super Bowl weekend in early February featured mild weather conditions that peaked on game day Sunday only to be followed by a significant snowstorm on Monday in the Mid-Atlantic region as colder air poured back into the area. There are signs that we could actually go through somewhat of a similar scenario during the middle part of next week here in the Mid-Atlantic region; however, we are now well into the month of March and this would certainly inhibit the chances for accumulating snow, but not make it impossible.

After a mild Saturday and a colder Sunday, the early part of next week will feature much milder conditions. In fact, temperatures by Tuesday afternoon could climb to 60+ degrees in the DC metro region and well into the 50’s around Philly and NYC, but a strong cold frontal passage on Tuesday night will put an end to that mild break. On Wednesday, it appears that there will be a fresh injection of Arctic air – anchored by strong Canadian high pressure - and at the same time a storm system will be gathering strength in the Ohio Valley likely on its way to the Mid-Atlantic coastline. Precipitation is likely to move into the Mid-Atlantic region at mid-week just as colder air filters in from the north and this could ultimately result in an all too familiar scenario of rain changing to snow following a couple of mild days. The best chance for significant snow will likely be the interior sections of the Northeast U.S., but it is still several days away so stay tuned. Much colder air moves in behind the storm for the latter part of next week.