In today’s video from Direct Weather, we’re diving into the upcoming weather pattern, which is shaping up to be exceptionally cold. Here in Virginia, temperatures have dropped into the mid-40s, about 5° colder than expected and below January averages. Many areas in the East are experiencing similar conditions, signaling the onset of a cold and snowy winter.
Overnight snowfall has been impressive. In areas like northern New Jersey, reports indicate accumulations of up to two feet in mountainous regions. Heavy snow even impacted the Steelers-Browns game. More snowstorms are likely, with models like the European showing a major potential system, while the GFS leans less dramatic, perhaps due to a southeast bias.
Current snowfall spans Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, with most areas surpassing expectations. Substantial accumulation challenges earlier doubts about snow sticking this time of year. If this trend continues, snow lovers are in for an exciting season. Meanwhile, the Pacific Northwest is seeing rain in coastal areas and snow in higher elevations, while the West braces for more rain and snow in states like California and Washington.
As we approach Thanksgiving, a brief warm-up is expected around November 24-25, followed by another significant cooldown. A potential snowstorm may impact West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and New England. The European model supports this system closer to the coast, hinting at heavy snowfall for southern New England. By Thanksgiving weekend, lake-effect snow around the Great Lakes will likely intensify, with widespread cold air dominating much of the East.
Looking ahead to early December, long-term models predict frigid conditions, with temperatures 10-35° below average in some regions. The pattern features a positive Pacific-North American (PNA) setup, pushing cold Arctic air deep into the East. Snowfall and lake-effect snow will continue in the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and New England, while warmer air briefly intrudes before yet another Arctic blast around December 7-8.
Overall, the consensus is clear: cold dominates through the end of the model runs, with multiple snow opportunities. Stay tuned for daily updates and forecasts. Subscribe to our channel, hit the notification bell for updates, and join the conversation in the comments. Winter enthusiasts, get ready for an action-packed season!