Snow Forecast: Another Winter Storm Could Deliver More Snow to the Northeast This Weekend

A rapidly tightening snow forecast on Friday pointed toward a powerful nor'easter slated to begin producing measurable snow Sunday, with the main impacts expected Sunday night into Monday morning. Models shifted Friday toward a far snowier outcome, prompting officials along the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast to prepare for strong winds, coastal flooding and heavy, wet snow.

Snow Forecast: Northeast outlook

Guidance diverged but trended toward notable totals for major population centers. One set of guidance showed 6–12 inches for New York City, while other model runs and forecasts projected 8–12 inches for New York City and Philadelphia. Boston’s projected totals ranged higher in some guidance, with estimates of 12–18 inches through Monday and warnings that some locations could see more than a foot at worst. Between Boston and Philadelphia there was a greater than 50 percent probability of at least six inches in one assessment.

Nor'easter strength and track

Forecasters identified two key drivers that could determine intensity: a slow, coastal track and the alignment of two distinct energy systems high in the atmosphere. If those systems align near the coast, the storm is likely to strengthen rapidly, potentially becoming a powerful coastal storm. The track will be crucial — a 50–100 mile shift east or west would materially alter who receives the heaviest snow.

Timing, impacts and what to watch

The system is expected to take shape overnight Saturday, with snow picking up through Sunday and lasting into Monday. The primary snow window is forecast as Sunday night into Monday morning, which could complicate the start of the workweek commute. Forecasters also warned of other hazards: damaging winds, coastal flooding, and possible blizzard conditions where the heaviest snow bands and strongest winds coincide.

Additional hazards noted include a wintry mix or freezing rain for some locations, which would reduce final snow totals and create slippery roads and sidewalks. Wet, heavy snow was highlighted as likely in areas that receive the most accumulation; that type of snow can adhere to trees and power lines, increasing the risk of outages and making shoveling particularly strenuous.

• Primary window: Sunday night into Monday morning.
• City projections: New York City/Philadelphia roughly 6–12 to 8–12 inches across guidance; Boston 12–18 inches in some guidance.
• Key uncertainty: storm track and alignment of upper-level energy — even a 50–100 mile jog will change impacts.

What happens next will hinge on the storm organizing offshore. Forecast confidence was stronger by Friday than earlier in the week because models shifted toward the snowier scenarios, but officials cautioned that precise amounts and locations of the heaviest snow will remain uncertain until the system fully organizes. If the coastal intensification proceeds and cold air remains in place, high-end totals and more widespread impacts are likely; if the track shifts offshore or warm air intrudes earlier, totals could fall short of the higher-end projections.