Possible weekend snow in eastern US following first of three polar vortex episodes.

A fresh winter storm is expected over the upcoming weekend, with snow, ice, and rain amounts depending on its interaction with incoming Arctic air. According to AccuWeather meteorologists, this cold surge, linked to a shift in the polar vortex, is forecast to reach the central and northeastern United States between Wednesday and Thursday.

The Arctic blast follows a stretch of accumulating snow earlier in the week from Monday to Tuesday across the Midwest and Northeast. Subzero temperatures are likely in the northern Plains and Upper Midwest, marking the coldest weather so far this season for much of the Central states and Northeast.

"This Arctic outbreak results from a shift in the polar vortex," explained Paul Pastelok, AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist. "This is expected to be the first of three such events, with another cold surge next week and a third the following week, all of which will drive substantial increases in energy demand."

Nighttime and early morning readings are projected to drop into the single digits, teens, and 20s from the central and southern Plains to the Ohio Valley and interior Northeast, with similar temperatures in the Interstate 95 corridor later in the week. Windy areas could experience RealFeel Temperatures 1025 degrees Fahrenheit lower than actual measurements, and some daily record lows may be threatened.

Residents who have not winterized homes, insulated water lines, or serviced heating systems should do so promptly. The cold snap may require full winter attire, and ski resorts without sufficient natural snow are expected to run snowmaking operations to prepare for the season.

As the Arctic front progresses, scattered flurries, heavier snow squalls, and brief snow showers could appear across the Great Lakes region and northern Appalachians. Snow accumulation could reach several inches, creating slick travel conditions for both highways and airports. Some schools may experience delays, early dismissals, or closures.

The impact of the weekend storm will hinge on how the cold air interacts with a southern system. "If Arctic air surges too far into the Northeast, the storm may move out to sea, producing mostly rain in the Southeast and a narrow band of mixed precipitation farther north," said Bernie Rayno, AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist. "If the cold air holds back slightly, the storm could strengthen along the Atlantic coast, bringing heavy snow from the southern Appalachians through the interior Mid-Atlantic and much of New England."

Depending on these conditions, snow could accumulate along or near the Interstate 95 corridor this weekend. Additional snow is expected on Tuesday, including lake-effect snow and squalls, with further snow events from smaller storms likely in the following weeks, potentially causing travel disruptions and school schedule changes.

Author: Sophia Brooks