An Alberta Clipper will bring snow to over 12 states from the Dakotas to the Northeast starting Wednesday. The fast-moving low-pressure system will accumulate snow in already affected regions such as Buffalo and Syracuse. While powerful winds may create lower wind chills, New York City is likely to see rain due to milder temperatures, reducing the chances of snow accumulation.
A significant winter weather event, referred to as an Alberta Clipper, is poised to impact over 12 states stretching from the Dakotas to the Northeast. This fast-tracking low-pressure system, which originates from Alberta, Canada, is expected to bring widespread snow and rain beginning midweek. Notably, many of these areas are still recovering from extensive snowfall due to previous lake-effect snowstorms, particularly regions such as Buffalo and Syracuse in New York, alongside Cleveland, Ohio.
According to forecasts, the Alberta Clipper will commence its journey into North Dakota on Wednesday, subsequently making its way across the Great Lakes and into the Northeastern states by Thursday. The FOX Forecast Center indicates that several inches of snow could accumulate in these heavily affected areas, compounding existing snow levels.
Meteorologist Ari Sarsalari from FOX Weather emphasizes the potential impact of the Alberta Clipper, which, while not being a strong system, will cover a large expanse with snow. “What we have coming through a little bit later on this week is actually a bigger storm system. It’s a fast-mover. It’s not going to be very strong, but it’s a clipper, and it means that it’s going to dump snow over a pretty large area,” said Sarsalari.
In Erie, Pennsylvania, lake-effect snow will persist through Tuesday, with additional snow expected from the clipper on Wednesday and Thursday. The storm’s influence may reach the Interstate 95 corridor, although specific snowfall predictions remain uncertain as temperatures will be a vital factor in determining snow accumulation.
Weather conditions will also be adversely affected by strong winds accompanying the low-pressure system, which could generate wind chills making temperatures feel significantly lower. Gusts may reach up to 30 mph in Minneapolis, Green Bay, Chicago, Cleveland, and Buffalo during the midweek period.
As for New York City, forecasts indicate a possibility of rain rather than snow owing to milder temperatures, which are projected to remain in the lower 40s. According to Meteorologist Jane Minar from FOX Weather, snowfall approximating New York City appears doubtful due to insufficient cold air, which is essential for effective snow production from an Alberta Clipper. “We know the clippers are moisture-starved to begin with. Cold air is much denser. It’s drier. And so it takes a lot for a clipper to bring snow to New York City. You need the cold air in place,” stated Minar. While minor snowfall may occur, substantial accumulation is not anticipated.
The Alberta Clipper is a meteorological phenomenon characterized by a fast-moving area of low pressure that originates from Alberta, Canada. Generally, these systems can produce significant weather changes, including snow and rainfall, across large geographic areas within a short time frame. As winter conditions intensify, such systems often exacerbate existing weather conditions, particularly for regions still recuperating from recent winter storms, thus garnering specific attention from meteorological services and residents alike.
In summary, the upcoming Alberta Clipper is anticipated to deliver snowfall across a broad region from the Dakotas to the Northeast, potentially affecting areas already burdened with snow. Its rapid movement and accompanying winds will introduce colder conditions while also complicating forecasts, particularly in urban centers like New York City, where precipitation type remains uncertain. Staying informed via updates from meteorologists will be essential as the event approaches.
Original Source: www.foxweather.com
