Winter set to begin in NYC: Snow total predictions, chances this week and more
NEW YORK CITY - A snowstorm is beginning to take shape in the United States, and could deliver some wintry mix to parts of the NYC area near the end of the week.
JUMP TO: NYC SNOW TOTAL PREDICTIONS
Temperatures this weekend are expected to dip into the 20s and 30s, and in some spots, even the teens. But before then, drivers should expect a wintry mix on Friday. For those hoping to get an early jump on holiday travel, the rain and snow could lead to traffic trouble on the heavily traveled Interstate 95 corridor.
A look at temperature departures in the eastern U.S. through Sunday. (FOX Weather)
"We have a weaker system coming through Friday, and that's the one that could bring us a little rain, snow mix," FOX 5 NY's Mike Woods said.
Cities to the north, including Syracuse, could also see some snow as we move closer to the weekend.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, by Friday, most areas in the lower Great Lakes, the Appalachians, and the New York-Pennsylvania border will only see light snow. A few flakes to a light dusting of snow are likely for parts of the I-95 corridor.
A look at the snow forecast along the I-95 corridor through Saturday. (FOX Weather)
The National Weather Service calls for a chance of rain and snow showers before 1 p.m. on Friday. The chance of precipitation is 40%.
When does winter start?
Winter officially begins in the Northern Hemisphere on Saturday, Dec. 21, with the winter solstice – the day with the least amount of possible daylight and the longest night.
When is winter break?
Winter recess for New York City Public School students begins Monday, Dec. 23 and lasts through Wednesday, Jan. 1.
How much snow will fall in the NYC area?
FOX 5 NY's Nick Gregory predicts the city could receive around 20 inches of snow this winter, compared to the typical seasonal average of 28 inches.
"We'll likely have above average temperatures this winter along with more snow than last year with somewhere near 18-23" but that is below the average snowfall for a winter in NYC," Gregory said.
Early call snowfall predictions, according to FOX 5 NY's Nick Gregory.
Meanwhile, the lower Hudson Valley could see slightly more snowfall, with totals ranging between 20 and 25 inches, with more snowfall further north. Much of the winter may bring a mix of rain and snow along the coast, with heavier snow falling further north.