Temperatures will tumble Monday as a strong cold front plows eastward from the Plains into the Northeast. Temperatures will differ upwards of 30 degrees on either side of the front. Behind the front, temperatures will dip below zero in the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest and into the single digits across the Northeast. The cold snap will not be confined to the northern latitudes of the US either.  A cool down is expected as far south as Texas and Florida with a 15-20 degree average drop in temperature expected. The cold snap is not expected to last long however, with temperatures moderating by the weekend.

 

Along with the cold, areas downwind of the Great Lakes are expecting a significant snow event. For some, this will be the first measurable snowfall since Halloween. Currently, the Great Lakes are still relatively warm and ice free. As cold air from Canada moves across the lakes, moisture will be drawn upwards through evaporation and condense into heavy bands of snow. Snowfall rates may exceed several inches an hour in the hardest hit areas. In addition, winds are expected to gust above 40 MPH in spots, reducing visibility and causing drifting.

 

 

Snow will begin Sunday night and last into Tuesday with some of the heaviest snow falling around Buffalo, NY; northwestern PA, and western NY, including Rochester and Syracuse. Motorists returning home from the holiday weekend may see a significant impact on major highways such as I-75, I-80, and I-90.

 

While winter will impact millions across the country, two New Year’s Parade traditions, the Mummer’s Parade and Rose Bowl Parade, will enjoy above normal temperatures this year.

 

 

The Mummer’s Parade will kick off in Philadelphia at 10:00 AM EDT. Although the previously mentioned cold front and subsequent cold snap will have Philadelphia in its cross-hairs; those attending the nearly day-long parade should see relatively mild temperatures in the mid-50s and a scattered shower or two as the cold front approaches. Winds will be gusty however, with gusts up to 20 MPH possible.

 

Mother Nature will be extra kind to the hundreds of thousands expected to attend this year’s Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, CA on January 2. Temperatures are expected to climb into the high 70s or low 80s with sunny skies.