New York City residents are preparing for a return of winter weather as forecasters predict up to 2 inches of snow overnight Sunday into early Monday. The anticipated light snowfall comes along the I-95 corridor, affecting the city, Long Island, and parts of northeast New Jersey. According to Fox Weather, this brief burst of snow could lead to slick roads, complicating the Monday morning commute on Presidents Day.
The snow is expected to begin developing late Sunday night and persist into the early hours of Monday. Most areas along the affected corridor will see accumulations of about 1 to 2 inches, while some neighborhoods might only experience a light dusting. In New York City specifically, around an inch of snow is forecasted, with similar amounts projected for the east end of Long Island.
Temperatures are set to drop into the upper 20s and lower 30s overnight, conditions that Fox Weather describes as marginal but sufficient for some snow to accumulate on untreated roads and grassy surfaces. "Snow- and slush-covered roads could make for hazardous travel late Sunday night and into the Monday morning commute," forecasters cautioned in their report.
This wintry event follows a period of milder weather in the region, where recent days have seen temperatures hovering in the 40s. The sudden chill serves as a reminder of the Northeast's unpredictable winter patterns, even as the season progresses toward its end. City officials have not issued any specific alerts yet, but transportation authorities are advising commuters to check road conditions before heading out.
The National Weather Service, which often collaborates with outlets like Fox Weather, has corroborated the forecast in preliminary outlooks, noting the influence of a coastal low deepening off the Northeast. This system is expected to drive the light precipitation before exiting the area, allowing the snow to taper off by early Monday morning. Sunshine is projected to return by Monday afternoon, providing some relief from the overnight chill.
Any snow that does accumulate is unlikely to linger for long. High temperatures are forecasted to rebound into the 40s on Monday afternoon, continuing through Tuesday and Wednesday. This warming trend should help melt any leftover snow and ice on sidewalks and streets, reducing potential hazards as the week unfolds.
By Tuesday, partial sunshine is expected with highs reaching the upper 40s, according to the extended forecast from Fox Weather. The milder weather in the 40s is projected to persist through much of the week, though residents should prepare for additional rain chances returning on Wednesday and again on Friday. These upcoming showers could further wash away remnants of the snow, but they also highlight the region's shift toward spring-like conditions interspersed with wintry surprises.
For now, Fox Weather characterizes this event as minor and short-lived, advising New Yorkers to plan for a few slick hours overnight Sunday into early Monday. The forecast aligns with broader patterns observed this winter, where the Northeast has experienced a mix of heavy storms and quieter periods. Earlier in the season, the city dealt with more significant accumulations, including a major nor'easter in January that dumped over a foot of snow in some areas, leading to widespread disruptions.
That January storm, which paralyzed public transit and closed schools across the five boroughs, serves as a stark contrast to the lighter event anticipated this weekend. Back then, Mayor Eric Adams declared a state of emergency, and plows were deployed citywide to clear major arteries. While no such measures are expected for this upcoming snow, the memory of past disruptions underscores the importance of preparation, even for lighter falls.
Commuters on Long Island, where similar inch-or-so accumulations are predicted, may face delays on the Long Island Rail Road if tracks become slippery. Northeast New Jersey, including areas like Newark and Jersey City, could see comparable impacts on routes like the New Jersey Turnpike. Local meteorologists have echoed the Fox Weather predictions, emphasizing that while the snow won't be heavy, the cold overnight temperatures will make any precipitation stickier than usual.
In the context of climate trends, New York City's winters have shown variability in recent years. Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicates that while overall snowfall totals have fluctuated, events like this one—quick-moving systems bringing light snow—have become more common amid shifting weather patterns. Scientists attribute some of this to broader atmospheric changes, though they stress that individual forecasts like this remain tied to immediate meteorological conditions.
Residents in affected areas are taking the warning in stride, with social media buzzing about the need for winter gear one more time. One Brooklyn resident, speaking to local reporters, said, "I thought we were done with this, but I'll bundle up just in case." Such sentiments reflect the fatigue many feel after a long winter, yet the city's resilience shines through in its routine preparations.
Looking ahead, the week's forecast suggests a gentle transition out of winter's grip. With temperatures climbing and precipitation shifting to rain, the snow event could mark one of the last notable winter occurrences for the season. However, forecasters remind that the Northeast can always surprise, and monitoring updates from reliable sources like Fox Weather will be key.
As New York City braces for this overnight snow, the focus remains on safety and minimal disruption. Officials from the Department of Transportation have indicated they will pretreat major roads where possible, aiming to keep the Presidents Day commute as smooth as feasible. In the end, while not a blockbuster storm, this light snowfall serves as a final nudge from winter, reminding urban dwellers of the season's lingering presence.
The broader implications for the region include potential minor economic ripples, such as slight delays in delivery services or increased salt usage on streets. Yet, with the quick melt expected, any impacts should be fleeting. As the city moves into the workweek, the return of milder air promises a welcome shift, setting the stage for what many hope will be an early spring.