New York City, NY – Snow is expected to return to the New York City region just days before Christmas, raising concerns about slippery roads and potential travel delays during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Forecasters say a fast-moving winter system will move into the Tri-State Area late Monday night and continue into Tuesday morning, bringing a mix of snow and rain. While this will not be a major winter storm, cold air already in place could allow snow to accumulate before warmer air causes a changeover to rain in many locations.
Because the system arrives during peak holiday travel, even light snowfall could create slowdowns on roads, bridges, and transit routes.
After a sunny and cold Monday, clouds will increase Monday evening as the system approaches. Snow is expected to begin late Monday night and continue into early Tuesday morning, particularly inland. The window for accumulating snow appears to be relatively short, but cold surface temperatures could allow snow to stick in some areas before precipitation turns to rain.
Coastal locations are expected to see mostly rain or a brief mix with little to no accumulation.
Snowfall Totals Expected to Be Modest but Uneven
Current projections show snowfall totals remaining on the lighter side overall, but amounts will vary significantly depending on location.
Areas closer to the coast, including New York City and Long Island, are expected to see a coating to around 1 inch of snow, mainly on grassy or elevated surfaces. Roads in these areas may become briefly slick early Tuesday before rain washes most snow away.
Farther inland, colder temperatures will allow snow to accumulate more efficiently.
Projected Snowfall by Region
Forecasters estimate the following snowfall ranges:
- New York City: coating to 1 inch
- Long Island: coating to 1 inch
- Central New Jersey and Jersey Shore: coating to 1 inch
- Northern New Jersey, Lower Hudson Valley, and Connecticut: 1 to 2 inches
- Upper Hudson Valley and far Northwestern New Jersey: 2 to 4 inches
The highest totals are expected in northwestern zones where colder air lingers longer before the changeover to rain.
Travel Impacts Possible During Busy Holiday Period
Even minor winter systems can have an outsized impact when they coincide with heavy travel periods. With many drivers heading out early Tuesday for holiday trips, slowdowns and delays are likely in areas where snow accumulates.
Bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads may become slick before temperatures rise. Drivers are advised to reduce speed, allow extra stopping distance, and use caution during the early morning hours.
Air travel delays are also possible, particularly at major airports serving the New York City metro area, though widespread cancellations are not currently expected.
Conditions Improve Quickly After Storm Passes
The system is expected to move out by late Tuesday morning or early afternoon. As temperatures climb into the 40s, any remaining snow will melt quickly, and rain showers may linger briefly before skies begin to clear.
By Tuesday afternoon and evening, travel conditions should improve significantly across the region.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Forecast
Looking ahead, weather conditions appear favorable for the rest of the holiday.
Christmas Eve is expected to be calm and dry, with no major travel disruptions anticipated. Christmas Day also looks relatively quiet, with seasonable temperatures in the low to mid-40s.
A stray shower cannot be ruled out, but widespread rain or snow is not expected on Christmas Day itself.
Final Outlook
While a white Christmas remains unlikely for most of the Tri-State Area, this pre-holiday system could briefly deliver wintry conditions, especially north and west of New York City. Travelers should stay alert early Tuesday, monitor forecasts, and plan for possible delays before conditions improve heading into the holiday.
