2 snowstorms may target northeastern US through late October as abnormally cold air persists

With the exception of a day here and there, the overall weather pattern will remain chilly in the northeastern United States with opportunities for snow through the end of October.

Typical highs in late October range from the upper 40s F in northern Maine to near 60 F in New York City and the middle 60s F in southeastern Virginia. Temperatures much of this week will average 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit below normal. With extensive cloud cover and gusty winds, AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures will dip into the teens, 20s and 30s at times.

The pattern will bring snow showers over the Great Lakes and may bring steady snow to parts of the central and northern Appalachians and perhaps closer to the coast, depending on the formation, track and strength of two upcoming storms.

The most significant blast of chilly air so far this season brought the season's first snow showers to many areas from the Upper Midwest to the interior Northeast this past weekend.

Much of the region got a little break from the harsh cold, wind, rain and snow showers on Monday afternoon.

However, that respite will be short-lived.

Potential for heavy snow to target northern New England at midweek

A reinforcing burst of chilly air will race southeastward from north-central Canada during the first part of this week. Expect snow showers to accompany the Canadian air as it rolls from the upper Great Lakes late Monday and Monday night to the lower Great Lakes on Tuesday.

A weak storm accompanying the chilly push may garner enough strength for an accumulating snowfall in parts of central and northern New England from Tuesday night to early Wednesday.

A period of steady, accumulating snow is most likely in the central and northern parts of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and northeastern New York state.

The heaviest snow will fall from northern Maine to northwestern New Brunswick, eastern Quebec and southern Labrador, where a general 6-12 inches (15-30 centimeters) are forecast with locally higher amounts. In this area, snow will accumulate on some of the roads. The snow may cling to trees and weigh them down to the point where some branches may break and cause sporadic power outages.

Accumulation of snow is possible in southern Vermont, northwestern Massachusetts and central New York state as well.

A small amount of snow may also fall on parts of northeastern New York state and western Massachusetts.

Since the storm will still be in its early stages on Tuesday evening, impacts on the first game of the World Series in Boston may be limited to cool air, a chilly breeze and spotty rain showers.

Another period of blustery conditions will accompany and follow the early to midweek chilly shot. While winds may not be as frisky as that of this past weekend, the air may feel and be every bit as cold.

A little lull in the winds and more sunshine may allow it to feel milder later this week.

However, it appears that the atmosphere may gear up for a large storm that has the potential to affect much of the East Coast this weekend into early next week.

"Part of Hurricane Willa may survive the trip across Mexico in some form from the eastern Pacific during the middle of this week," said AccuWeather Meteorologist Evan Duffey.

"This feature, a batch of tropical moisture or a more potent tropical rainstorm, is then forecast to push eastward across the northern Gulf coast later this week," Duffey said.

"Finally, this storm, or a new storm born from its moisture, may make a northward turn along the Atlantic coast this weekend as a potential nor'easter," Duffey said.

Storm may bring snow, rain, wind to Northeast this weekend

While it is too early to give details on the timing, intensity and which areas may get snow, there seems to be the likelihood of substantial travel delays and disruptions to outdoor activities from the mid-Atlantic coast to New England and perhaps as far west as the Great Lakes region.

"A period of heavy rain is most likely along the coast. Coastal areas may have to contend with beach erosion and flooding at time of high tide. Wet snow is possible over the higher terrain across the interior. Impacts from gusty winds from the strengthening storm could be a factor throughout the region," Duffey said.

Depending on the track and strength of the storm, the risk of heavy snow may be again confined to northern New England or perhaps extend farther southwest across parts of the central Appalachians.

A storm that tracks well offshore of the mid-Atlantic, then strengthens and hooks northwestward toward New England would likely spare the central Appalachians of heavy snow.

A storm that hugs the mid-Atlantic coast and gets progressively stronger is more likely to bring heavy snow to the central Appalachians but perhaps less snow to northern New England.

AccuWeather will continue to provide updates on the storms and potential for snow.

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