A snowy weather pattern is set to impact the Great Lakes and Northeast through early this week, with snow showers and squalls expected to reduce visibility and create hazardous travel conditions, according to AccuWeather meteorologists.
Following a period of intense cold last week, temperatures in the region have risen slightly, but colder bursts of air and snow are anticipated to persist through the end of January. Two clipper storms originating from Canada will bring waves of snow to the area, with the first occurring Monday and Tuesday. These storms are expected to bring snow squalls and gusty winds, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph in some areas, including eastern Minnesota and the New England coast.
The combination of strong winds and snow will lead to blowing snow and poor visibility. The Great Lakes are particularly vulnerable, with ice shifting and piling up on the eastern shores, posing a danger to ice anglers. Forecasters advise caution, especially in areas like Michigan’s Saginaw Bay, where ice may break free due to wind gusts.
By Tuesday, the winds will subside slightly, but snow squalls will continue, particularly along the eastern shores of the lakes and in parts of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York. Snow showers will extend as far south as interstates 80, 81, and 76 in Pennsylvania, potentially causing significant travel disruptions. The Boston metro area is also at risk for visibility-reducing squalls into Tuesday morning.
Another round of snow and squalls will affect the Midwest, central Appalachians, mid-Atlantic, and New England from Tuesday to Wednesday. AccuWeather predicts 1-3 inches of snow across regions like upstate New York and northeastern Ohio, with the possibility of heavier squalls in the Northeast. The Great Lakes will continue to experience lake-effect snow, potentially adding several inches to a foot of accumulation in persistent bands.
As February approaches, a more moderate temperature pattern is expected, though the I-95 corridor has experienced below-average temperatures and limited snowfall, contributing to severe drought conditions in some areas.
