Topline
Fair weather conditions will prevail across much of the U.S. for New Year festivities through tonight and tomorrow, but an incoming clipper system will bring some light snow, rain or a wintry mix to parts from the Great Lakes through the central Appalachians, according to the National Weather Service, potentially putting a damper on some holiday happenings.
Fireworks explode over the Sydney Harbour Bridge as New Year celebrations begin in Sydney, … [+] Australia, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
Key Facts
There should be few weather-related disruptions across the country for New Year’s Eve, but the incoming clipper system will bring a light wintry mix to parts of the Midwest, central Appalachians and Mid-Atlantic through New Year’s Day, the National Weather Service said.
Clear skies will take hold across the South and Great Plains, while the West Coast and much of the Northeast—including New York City—should remain free of precipitation.
There will be little to no accumulations in the affected areas where rain or snow does fall, the National Weather Service said.
Winter weather advisories warning drivers to use caution while traveling are in effect in parts of Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana and Iowa, and are set to expire by noon CST on Sunday.
Chicago was also under a winter weather advisory this morning due to concerns about freezing rain, but the precipitation changed to snow flurries with light impact to travel, though “bursts of snow” impacting travel are possible in parts of Chicago overnight, the National Weather Service noted.
The clipper system will bring other bouts of rain and light snow to Detroit and Cleveland throughout Sunday and into the new year.
Other parts of the U.S. could also see some light winter weather—Pittsburgh and parts of Pennsylvania could have a messy Near Year’s Eve, with snow and rain showers in the forecast through Monday.
Key Background
A clipper system is a fast-moving low-pressure system that comes in from the Alberta, Canada region. It’s a common source of snow and winter weather for the Midwest United States. This year’s forecast offers a different outlook than last year’s did, when the East and West Coast were facing two major storms and the Midwest was set to remain mostly dry.
Tangent
High surf and coastal flooding remains a concern along the West Coast as of Sunday, the National Weather Service said. Large waves battering California have created hazardous conditions along the coasts in recent days.
Further Reading
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