Series of Storms Could Disrupt Plans in the Northeast and Beyond

The week heading into Christmas will be filled with a variety of weather impacts for the Northeast. A series of storms will march through the region, ushering in the chance of slippery travel as people finish up their last-minute holiday errands. Who will see rain and who will see snow in this corner of the country? Here is what you need to know.

Rain and Snow Both a Possibility for Various Parts of the Eastern U.S. This Week

The winter solstice is set for Saturday, December 21. The start of the astronomical winter will certainly feel like it across the Northeast as another mass of cooler temperatures sneaks into the region. This area has already seen its share of winter weather, ranging from Arctic air to lake-effect snow and Alberta clipper storms. The start of this winter season has been a stark contrast to last year's mild beginning.

The beginning of the work week saw the lingering impacts of a series of storms that pushed in from the Midwest over the weekend. These storms generated a variety of conditions, including rain, snow, and other forms of wintry precipitation. The active storm track is going to continue through much of the week with more storms waiting on deck.

Like the early week weather maker, the upcoming systems will deliver a myriad of impacts depending on the temperatures in place when the moisture fires up. A brief warmup during the middle of the week will precede another influx of bitterly cold temperatures by the weekend, making sure there is something for everyone this week in the Northeast.

The bulk of the wintry precipitation that impacted across the region on Monday dissipated as the day progressed. What was left was straight rain and drizzle thanks to warmer temperatures coming in behind the storm.

Tuesday's Forecast Calls for Lingering Wintry Precipitation

The greatest chance of wintry precipitation on Tuesday will be across the northern Plains and into the Upper Midwest. Places such as Sioux Falls, Iowa are expecting about 1 to 3 inches of snow accumulation on Tuesday with flurries lingering into the evening and overnight hours. The mercury will top out in the low 30s with overnight readings slipping into the mid teens.

Minneapolis is forecast to see scattered snow showers come together in the afternoon hours after a dry start to the day. Highs will struggle to crack the 30-degree mark with lows forecast to slip into the upper teens overnight. Winds will increase overnight, clocking in at speeds of 10 to 15 mph from the northwest.

This active weather pattern will produce another brief shot of moisture on Tuesday morning for the Northeast. The threat of rain will linger throughout the week for the Mississippi and Tennessee valleys and across into the mid-Atlantic states. This line will extend as far north as southern New England at times.

For instance, Erie, Pennsylvania is in store for a mix of precipitation on Wednesday with the forecast calling for rain in the morning blending with snow in the afternoon. Temperatures will hold steady in the mid to upper 30s during the day before falling to about 30 degrees after the sun goes down.

Conversely, slightly warmer temperatures to the south in Pittsburgh will keep the moisture falling as rain. About a quarter of an inch of rain is expected. The Steel City is forecast to see a high of about 42 degrees on Wednesday along with lows that drop to the freezing mark.

The good news is that the persistent moisture will provide a bit of relief from the ongoing drought conditions in parts of the Plains and the Northeast. The flip side is that the rainfall will also trigger the chance of localized flooding in areas that see repeated downpours.

The mercury will be on the rise through the middle of the week. The Great Lakes and the Northeast will enjoy temperatures in the 40s and 50s during the peak afternoon heating hours. The warmer temperature readings will also translate to rain for the mid-Atlantic, however, colder air dipping to the south from Canada will put snow back on the table in areas farther to the north.

The influx of cold air dropping down from Canada will increase as the week progresses. The drop in the mercury will lay the groundwork for more chances of wintry precipitation. For example, Syracuse, New York could see snow showers Wednesday night and into Thursday morning as the temperatures take a tumble.

Another Storm on the Horizon for the End of the Week