White Christmas (Snowstorm) May Be in Store for Northeast

Those hoping for a white Christmas in the northeast may get their wish. In fact, they may get more than their wish if a snowstorm developing in forecasts continues to materialize.

The snowstorm could impact the mid-Atlantic and New England Christmas weekend. And, while the forecast calls for rain at the moment over major I-95 corridor cities including New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., that could still change if enough cold air seeps in before the moisture arrives.

The storm is forecast to be the result of a new system over the northern Pacific Ocean that Accuweather said is expected to take a southward dip to Texas later this week and will then streak northeastward during Christmas Eve.

A weaker system will run between both storms with rain in the Southeast, much of the mid-Atlantic and southern New England on Friday. However, snow or a wintry mix is favored in northern Pennsylvania and central New England, writes Alex Sosnowski at Accuweather.

The heaviest portion of the snowstorm would strike the northeast on Christmas Eve, or Saturday, before moving into New England on Sunday. For the storm to dump snow in New York and Philadelphia, it would have to track further to the east than some models currently show. Still, areas north and west of New York City could get significant snow accumulation for Christmas from the storm.

The current forecast for Christmas Eve in New York City is an overnight low of 38 degrees with a 60 percent change of rain showers. The forecaset at the omment for Christmas Day in New York calls for a 30 percent chance of rain and snow showers, with a high of 42 degrees. The low that night is currently forecast for 35 degrees, with clearing skies as the storm moves to the north.

The forecast is still developing, however, and is expected to sharpen in the next few days. Holiday travelers are advised to stay updated on developments later in the week.