by NEW YORK — A surge of reinforced Arctic air is poised to sweep into the central and northeastern United States this weekend, setting the stage for what could become the first significant snowfall of the season along major stretches of the Interstate 95 corridor. The shift marks another dramatic turn in a December already defined by record-setting cold from New England to the Upper Midwest.
Cold Air Deepens as Polar Vortex Weakens
Forecasters note that the circulation around the Polar Vortex continues to weaken, allowing frigid air to plunge south out of Canada. When the vortex is strong, it keeps the coldest air bottled near the poles. But as it loosens, Arctic air spills farther into the Lower 48, often delivering sudden cold snaps and winter storms.
This incoming push follows a round of record low temperatures reported earlier this week across parts of New England. Meteorologists say this pattern matches forecasts issued by NOAA, which predicted an active start to meteorological winter, fueled in part by La Niña influences on atmospheric circulation.
Fast-Moving Winter System Takes Shape
As the cold settles in, a fast-moving storm is expected to race eastward from the Northwest, strengthening as it meets deeper cold air over the weekend. Computer forecast models now generally agree that snow will develop in the Midwest and Ohio Valley on Saturday before shifting into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast late Saturday night into Sunday.
Cities such as Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Columbus are on track to see another round of accumulating snow, following a pair of recent systems earlier this week. For these regions, forecasters anticipate steady light to moderate snow, adding fresh accumulation to already slick roadways.
Snow Likely for I-95 Corridor Early Sunday
By early Sunday morning, residents along the Northeast corridor — including Philadelphia, New York City and Boston — may wake to the season’s first impactful snowfall. While the system is expected to move quickly, limiting overall totals, the combination of cold air and early-day timing could complicate travel.
Current projections indicate a widespread 1–3 inches of snow from Indiana through Ohio and extending into Maryland, New Jersey and parts of southern New England. Localized 3–5-inch pockets are possible in central Indiana and Ohio where banding may develop.
Storm Track Still Uncertain
Forecast confidence continues to evolve around the exact storm track. A more northerly path would increase snowfall for Boston and communities across southern New England. A more southerly track, however, would concentrate heavier snow near Philadelphia and coastal New Jersey, with lighter amounts across Massachusetts.
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Despite these uncertainties, meteorologists agree on one point: this will be the first widespread, measurable snow of the season for the Northeast’s largest metro areas — something many residents have not seen for nearly a year.
A Weekend to Monitor
Road crews are preparing for rapidly changing conditions, and travelers with outdoor or early-morning plans are urged to monitor updated forecasts closely. The system is expected to exit quickly by Sunday afternoon, but its timing could still disrupt commutes, sporting events and holiday activities across the region.
As winter begins to intensify, this storm serves as another reminder that active, cold-weather patterns are now firmly in place across the northern U.S.
