Cold, blustery Canadian air to leave Northeast shivering

By Brandon Buckingham, AccuWeather Meteorologist

Updated Dec. 18, 2019 5:37 PM

An active wintry pattern is set to continue across the Northeast as cold, snowy and blustery conditions at times will persist into this weekend.

Arctic air will blast southeastward from mid- to late week as an Alberta clipper storm dips into the Great Lakes and Northeast. This Canadian storm has been responsible for lake-enhanced snow showers and occasional snow squalls on Wednesday across the region.

Motorists will be at risk for slide-offs and multiple-car pileups as the sudden snow squalls bring a flash snowfall, icy conditions and brief low visibility.

Accompanying the snow on Wednesday, the core of the cold weather will begin to center itself over the Northeast.

Lake-effect snow showers will begin to taper off Wednesday night as an area of high pressure settles in. This will promote clearing skies for many, allowing overnight lows to drop well below seasonable averages.

Temperatures will dip down into the single digits Wednesday night for places like Buffalo and Syracuse, New York, as well as Burlington, Vermont.

"As high pressure builds in Wednesday night and Thursday, temperatures will average 8-16 degrees Fahrenheit below normal." AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Paul Pastelok stated.

Cities from Philadelphia to coastal Maine along Interstate 95 can expect temperatures to drop into the teens Wednesday night as well. A brisk northwest wind will accompany these mid-winterlike temperatures, sending the AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures below zero for millions.

Except for portions of western New York, the snow will come to an end across the Northeast Thursday. While sunnier conditions are expected for many of the big cities, subfreezing temperatures more commonly experienced in February will persist.

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While temperatures will begin to moderate somewhat on Friday, below-average temperatures will continue. Along with the slightly moderating temperatures, much lighter winds are expected which will bump up the RealFeel® Temperatures to less-harsh levels.

Conditions will largely remain dry and tranquil this weekend as the atmospheric setup will keep unsettled weather at bay. Temperatures will continue to moderate as warm air builds over the Central states and filters eastward.

For those planning on traveling or shopping this weekend in preparation for the holidays, the weather looks to be quiet and cooperative.

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