Next winter storm may yield snow from Minneapolis to New York City, Boston

An Alberta clipper storm will spread a swath of snow and the potential for slippery travel from the northern Plains to coastal areas of the northeastern United States during the first half of the week.

Like most storms that track southeastward from western Canada, this storm will have little moisture to work with initially.

However, a mere 0.10 of an inch of water may yield a couple of inches of snow, due to the arctic air along its path through Monday. Additionally, the storm may strengthen and grab moisture upon passing near the Great Lakes and then the Atlantic Ocean.

Along much of the 1,500-mile-long swath, accumulations will range from a coating to 3 inches of snow. But with storms of this nature, there are likely to be pockets where barely a dusting occurs and also spots where a moderate amount of snow falls.

"The clipper storm is likely to bring some snow to areas missed by the snow and ice storm on Friday and replenish the snow that was wiped out by the rainfall," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski.

"Areas around the Great Lakes have the highest chance at seeing localized amounts over 3 inches," she said.

Given that temperatures will be in the single digits, teens and 20s F from the North Central states to the central Appalachians, the snow will adhere to the roads. With temperatures forecast to reach the 30s along the mid-Atlantic coast, some of the snow may melt on roads.

Motorists may also face reduced visibility, while airline passengers should prepare for possible delays.

The tail-end of the storm may also sweep a band of snow and/or icy mix deep into the southern U.S. early in the week.

Beyond Tuesday, there is the likelihood the storm will reduce its forward speed, strengthen and turn northward, according to AccuWeather Long-Range Meteorologist Max Vido.

"If this strengthening and left turn occurs near the coast, a new round of snow will develop and may be thrown westward along the mid-Atlantic coast and across much of New England at midweek," Vido said.

There is a greater chance of the storm bringing snow to Maine and Atlantic Canada, rather than the swath from Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia on Wednesday.

Another possibility is that the two components of the storm stay separate and the southern piece may attempt to bring snow to parts of the Carolinas at midweek.

Regardless of which scenario pans out, a fresh shot of arctic air will plunge across the Plains and East. However, the cold will not last long.

"It does look like temperatures will moderate considerably over the Central and Eastern states later this week into the weekend of Jan. 20-21," Vido said.

"So, folks who mind the frigid weather and the heating expense it brings should get another break in several days," Vido said.

AccuWeather will continue to provide updates on the next storm potential and the temperature fluctuations in the coming days.

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