New York City may experience its first accumulating snowfall of the season this weekend, as an Alberta clipper storm prepares to sweep through the Northeast. This fast-moving system is being closely monitored for its potential interaction with a developing low-pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. If these two systems align, the city could see steady snowfall late Friday into early Saturday.

How the Clipper Storm Works

An Alberta clipper, a fast-moving storm originating in Canada, typically brings quick bursts of snow as it travels across the United States. In this case, the storm will arrive accompanied by colder air, with temperatures on Friday night dipping to 29°F. Saturday’s highs are expected to remain chilly at 34°F, with lows dropping to 19°F.

Meteorologists suggest that the clipper alone may result in minor snow showers or flurries, but significant accumulation is unlikely unless it interacts with the Atlantic system.

A Cold Setup Ahead of the Storm

The National Weather Service forecasts a sharp drop in temperatures leading up to the storm. Wednesday, December 18, will begin with sunny skies, but rain is expected by the afternoon as temperatures reach a high of 51°F. Overnight, cloudy skies will bring steady rainfall, with lows settling around 39°F.

Conditions will take a colder turn as the clipper approaches. By Thursday, December 19, the forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with highs around 44°F and lows dipping to 35°F. On Friday, December 20, the clipper’s arrival will bring a mix of rain and snow showers in the afternoon as temperatures struggle to reach 39°F. Overnight lows will drop to 33°F, setting the stage for snow accumulation.

Meteorologist Dave Dombek from AccuWeather highlights that while the clipper alone might produce light snow showers, a significant snowfall will depend on whether the system interacts with the Atlantic low-pressure area.

“There’s at least a chance that the clipper interacts with that developing storm offshore and it actually ends up causing it to be a little bit closer to the coast,” said Dombek. “What it could do, the interaction with the clipper and the offshore storm, it could pull it in just close enough to the coast, at least for a several-hour period Friday night, where there could actually be some steady snow falling in and around the city.”

Under this scenario, New York City could receive anywhere from a coating to two inches of snowfall by Saturday morning. Temperatures will plunge significantly on Saturday, December 21, with daytime highs around 35°F and lows bottoming out at a frigid 18°F.

Dramatic Weekend Cooldown

Following the clipper system, Sunday, December 22, is forecast to bring clear skies but bitterly cold conditions. Highs are expected to reach only 27°F, while overnight lows could dip to 13°F, marking one of the coldest days of the season so far.

The cold trend will continue into early next week:

• Monday, December 23: Mostly sunny, with highs of 27°F and lows of 22°F.
• Tuesday, December 24: Cloudy skies return, with temperatures hovering around 37°F.

These frigid conditions will ensure any snow that does fall over the weekend lingers, creating a winter-like feel in the days leading up to Christmas.

Rain Before the Snow

Before the clipper arrives, a separate weather system will impact the region on Wednesday into early Thursday. Rainfall amounts of 0.3 to 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) are expected in the city, while areas north and west, particularly in the Catskills, could see a few inches of snow due to colder conditions at higher elevations.

This midweek rain event highlights the variability of early winter weather patterns across the Northeast and may influence the setup of the developing Atlantic low-pressure system.

Preparing for the First Snowfall

While uncertainties remain, the evolving forecast suggests that Friday night into Saturday could bring the season’s first measurable snowfall for New York City. Residents should prepare for potentially slippery conditions, especially during the overnight hours, as temperatures drop below freezing.

Should the Alberta clipper interact with the Atlantic low, the city’s wintry outlook could shift quickly, offering a glimpse of what may be an active winter season ahead.

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