Triple Arctic Blasts Mean More Snow Chances For Northeast: Here's Timing

By Joe Lombardi From Daily Voice

A series of Arctic cold waves is set to grip the Northeast, bringing several chances for accumulating snow as December gets underway.

According to the National Weather Service, frigid temperatures will stick around into early next week as a stubborn Arctic air mass remains in place.

The cold will be punctuated by chances for snow, especially Sunday night, Dec. 7, into Monday, Dec. 8, when a fast-moving Alberta clipper system is expected to cross the region.

While only light snow amounts are predicted at this time, forecasters warn the timing could impact the Monday morning commute.

AccuWeather meteorologists say the polar vortex is shifting near Hudson Bay, Canada, and will continue to send rounds of Arctic air deep into the central and eastern United States through mid-December.

The waves of cold will bring not just bitter temperatures but also the potential for flurries, squalls, and patches of accumulating snow as they move through.

"These Arctic air outbreaks can be attributed to a displacement of the polar vortex," AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said.

"The outbreak this week will be the first of probably three such rounds with it. Another cold blast is likely next week and a third the week after that," Pastelok explained. "The waves of Arctic air will lead to significant surges in energy demands."

The first Arctic front swept off the Northeast coast Thursday night, Dec. 4, bringing flurries, snow showers, and heavier squalls to New York state and New England.

The cold is already making an impact, with temperatures dropping to the teens in Boston and widespread lows in the 20s from New York City to Washington, D.C. Some interior cold spots, including parts of the Adirondacks, have seen readings near 20 below zero.

Gusty winds will add to the chill Friday, Dec. 5, making conditions feel even harsher. Forecasters say full winter gear will be needed for the weekend, and ski resorts are ramping up snowmaking operations to prepare for the season.

Wind-chill values made it eel like it was around zero degrees Friday morning, Dec. 5.

AccuWeather

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