Residents across the New York City metropolitan area should prepare for a week of wintry weather, with two separate snow events anticipated before and after Christmas. While a minor system is expected to bring light snowfall late Monday into Tuesday, forecasters are closely monitoring a potentially more significant snow event slated for Friday night into Saturday.
Initial Snowfall Expected Tuesday
Following a cold and sunny Monday, accumulating snowfall is likely to begin late Monday evening and continue into Tuesday morning. A changeover to rain is expected in many areas. Winter weather advisories have been issued for parts of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, including Sullivan, Ulster, Orange, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, Fairfield, Sussex, Passaic, and Bergen counties, beginning late Monday night and lasting into Tuesday afternoon.
Snowfall totals are expected to range from a coating to 2 inches on average, with northwestern zones potentially receiving 2-4 inches. Coastal areas are not expected to see any accumulation. The First Alert Weather Team has declared Tuesday a First Alert Weather Day due to the potential for travel disruptions during the busy holiday season.
Looking Ahead: Potential for Heavier Snow Friday Night
Beyond the initial snowfall, conditions are expected to clear for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with high temperatures in the 40s. However, the First Alert Weather Team is tracking a larger system expected to bring snow Friday night into Saturday.
Current models suggest snow will begin in the early evening and continue through Saturday morning, departing by 2 p.m. The amount of snowfall will depend on the location of the changeover from snow to a mix of snow and rain. There is currently a potential for up to 5 inches of snow in New York City, with higher totals possible north and west.
Regional Snowfall Projections
Here’s a breakdown of projected snowfall totals by region:
- New York City: coating to 1 inch
- Long Island: coating to 1 inch
- Central Jersey and Jersey Shore: coating to 1 inch
- Northern New Jersey, Lower Hudson Valley, and Connecticut: 1-2 inches
- Upper Hudson Valley and far Northwestern New Jersey: 2-4 inches, with locally higher totals possible
Frequently Asked Questions
What counties are under a Winter Weather Advisory?
Winter Weather Advisories have been issued for Sullivan, Ulster, Orange, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, Fairfield, Sussex, Passaic, and Bergen counties.
When is the bigger snow event expected?
The First Alert Weather Team is forecasting a larger snow event to impact the region Friday night into Saturday.
What are the expected temperatures for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?
Both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are expected to have high temperatures in the 40s.
As conditions remain dynamic, will you be adjusting your holiday travel plans based on the latest forecasts?
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