New Yorkers, it’s not too early to look through your snow-clearing supplies–snow shovels and ice melt–and make sure you’re stocked up as winter approaches.
A strong El Niño is brewing in the Pacific Ocean, according to a new long-range forecast, and tits effects could reach the Northeast.
AccuWeather and other long-range weather prediction services call for a snowier and colder winter ahead with the arrival of El Niño, a climate cycle that results in the unusual warming of equatorial Pacific Ocean waters. El Niño can have a range of effects, from heavy precipitation in some parts of the world and droughts in others, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
But what does that mean for the Northeast? According to AccuWeather’s 2023 to 2024 winter outlook, there could be multiple nor’easters to the state in January and February, dumping inches of snow compared to the below-average amounts that the majority of New York saw over the relatively weak 2022 to 2023 winter.
“The window for snow-producing nor’easters will open in late January through February which could dish out hefty snowfall amounts to Boston, New York City, Philadelphia and beyond,” AccuWeather predicted.
AccuWeather long-range meteorologists are predicting 18 to 26 inches in New York City and 16 to 24 inches in Philadelphia in total for winter 2023/24, which is around the historical average but far higher than last year’s totals.
Compare this to last winter, when communities including Long Island saw “a very small amount of snow,” said John Murray, meteorologist with the National Weather Office at Upton said.
“An early-season nor’easter can’t be ruled out either as the ingredients for a snowstorm may come together sometime in November,” AccuWeather continued.
The same, above-normal levels of precipitation, is also expected this winter for Long Island.
The Farmer’s Almanac, which is for many a trustworthy source, said in its extended 2023-24 winter forecast that the Northeast region is in for plenty of winter rain, sleet, and snow.
“For those of you living along the I-95 corridor from Washington to Boston, who saw a lack of wintry precipitation last winter, you should experience quite the opposite, with lots of rain/sleet and snowstorms to contend with,” said the Farmers’ Almanac.
