Tri-State Area — Christmas Eve is shaping up to be calm and seasonably cold across the region, but forecasters are urging residents to enjoy the quiet while it lasts. Attention is now squarely focused on a developing winter storm expected to bring significant snowfall late Friday into Saturday morning.
Quiet and Cold Christmas Eve Night
After a mild and pleasant Christmas Eve day, conditions will remain tranquil Wednesday night. Skies will turn increasingly cloudy, but no precipitation is expected as Santa makes his rounds.
Overnight temperatures will drop into the mid to upper 20s for most suburban and rural areas, while urban locations hover closer to the low 30s. Winds will remain light, helping keep conditions relatively comfortable for late-night outdoor plans.
Christmas Day Forecast Looks Mostly Dry
Christmas Day will begin under mostly cloudy skies, with the chance of an isolated flurry during the morning hours. Any flurries would be brief and light, with no accumulation expected.
As the day progresses, cloud cover is expected to thin, allowing for some afternoon clearing. High temperatures will reach the mid 40s, and with lighter winds than earlier in the week, it will feel noticeably less chilly despite the cloud cover.
Overall, Christmas Day travel conditions should remain favorable across the region.
First Alert Weather Day Issued for Friday
Meteorologists are now issuing a First Alert Weather Day for Friday as confidence grows in a snow-producing storm affecting the Tri-State Area.
Forecast models are in strong agreement that a winter storm will move through the region Friday evening into early Saturday morning, bringing what forecasters describe as a plowable snowfall.
Snow Timing and Expected Impacts
Current projections indicate snow will begin Friday evening, intensifying overnight before tapering off by Saturday morning.
An early snowfall forecast calls for:
- 4 to 8 inches for much of the region
- 8 inches or more for areas north and west of the city
Final totals will depend on the storm’s exact track, which could still shift slightly. Because of this, forecasters expect updates to snowfall maps as new data becomes available.
Travel Disruptions Likely Overnight
Confidence is high that accumulating snow will coincide with the overnight hours, raising concerns for slick roads, reduced visibility, and difficult travel. Drivers planning late Friday or early Saturday trips should prepare for delays and hazardous conditions.
Road crews are expected to be active, but snowfall rates could still overwhelm untreated surfaces at times.
What to Expect Next
Forecasters will continue to monitor incoming data and issue updated advisories, watches, or warnings as needed. Residents are encouraged to stay informed as the storm approaches and plan travel accordingly.
Despite the looming winter weather, conditions remain quiet through Christmas Day, offering a calm pause before the next round of wintry impacts.
Stay tuned for the latest updates, and have a safe and enjoyable holiday. Share your experiences in the comments below.
