Winter in the Northeast has been bitterly cold, but many cities are still waiting for significant snowfall. However, February could change that as historical data shows that this month typically brings more snow to cities along the Interstate 95 corridor from Virginia to Maine.
According to NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information, February sees more impactful snowstorms, particularly powerful nor'easters, than any other month in the Northeast. This is due to the cooling of sea surface temperatures along the Atlantic Coast, allowing coastal storms to tap into colder air and produce more snow.
Current ocean conditions near the Atlantic coast are conducive for snowstorms, with sea surface temperatures at or below normal levels from northern New England to parts of the Carolinas. Additionally, the Eastern Seaboard is experiencing one of the 10-coldest winters in recent years, setting the stage for potential snowstorms.
While warmer air is expected to linger in the mid-Atlantic this weekend, colder air is forecasted to move in next week, potentially paving the way for significant snowfall. Weather models suggest a return of bone-chilling cold later in the month, further enhancing the chances of snowstorms.
La Niña conditions, although weak this year, could also influence snowfall patterns in the Northeast. Typically, weak La Niñas result in more snow for New England, which has not been the case so far this winter.
Recent winters in the Northeast have been unusually warm, with declining snowfall totals attributed to global warming. Cities like New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston are running behind on their typical snowfall amounts for the season, despite the cold temperatures.
While there have been a few minor snow events this season, the ingredients for a major snowstorm have yet to align. However, there are hopes that the upcoming weeks in February could bring the much-awaited snow to the Northeast.
