As New Year’s Eve approaches, AccuWeather meteorologists warn that heavy rain and frigid Arctic air are set to impact celebrations and usher in dangerously cold weather across much of the eastern United States in the coming weeks.
Rainy New Year’s Eve in the Northeast
Rain is forecast to dampen outdoor festivities in major cities, including New York City and Philadelphia, on Tuesday night. Revelers at Times Square’s iconic ball drop are advised to bring umbrellas and raincoats as a storm system moves through the Northeast.
“We expect some soaking rain in New York City for the New Year’s Eve celebrations, but it should transition to drizzle before drying out right around midnight,” AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said.
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The storm is expected to bring widespread rain from North Carolina to New England, with snow or a wintry mix possible in parts of the Great Lakes and northern New England.
Arctic Blast to Follow
Starting this weekend, several waves of Arctic air will bring drastically colder conditions to the eastern half of the country, with temperatures plunging 10–20 degrees or more below historical averages. The cold spell could make January 2025 one of the coldest on record.
“Bitterly cold air will make a big return to the East Coast starting this weekend. This could end up being the coldest January since 2011 for the U.S. as a whole,” AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok said.
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Subfreezing temperatures are expected to pose risks to power grids and result in heightened energy demand, potentially leading to rolling blackouts in some areas.
Snowstorms on the Horizon
The pattern is also conducive to winter storms, with the potential for significant snow and ice in the Midwest, Northeast, and mid-Atlantic regions.
- Early January Storm: A wintry mix is expected from the Midwest to the Northeast starting Sunday into next week.
- Possible East Coast Snowstorm: A second storm could develop later next week, bringing snow and ice to cities like New York, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta.
Southern states such as Texas and Louisiana could see rare snow and ice conditions. “This is some seriously cold air that could plunge as far south as Texas,” said Rayno.
The severe weather could cause widespread travel disruptions, frozen pipes, and water damage in poorly insulated homes. Agricultural areas, including Florida and Texas, may face risks to crops due to freezing temperatures.
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