US New Year’s Eve: Rain may dampen celebrations in New Orleans, Los Angeles
As millions gather to ring in the new year, rain and snow may put a damper on some celebrations across the nation.
There will be several weather features across the country on Saturday night into Sunday that could disrupt those partaking in New Year’s festivities, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Matt Rinde said.
Rain, snow may threaten festivities in the East
Two storms will converge on the Eastern states by New Year’s Day.
One storm will bring a bit of snow in the Northeast from late Saturday into Sunday morning. Rain will spread northward ahead of a second storm in the South later in the weekend.
The precipitation may hold off long enough for New Year's Eve celebrations in New York City and Washington, D.C.
Cloud cover could obscure some of the highest fireworks even if precipitation remains light in nature.
Revelers celebrate as confetti flies over New York's Times Square after the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 1, 2016. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
Revelers should use caution heading home as roads could be slick where all snow falls in the Northeast. Most snow will fall along and north of Interstate 80.
Farther south, fireworks displays could be spoiled as rain expands across parts of the South.
“Rain will expand eastward from Louisiana into Georgia and northward into Tennessee and Kentucky,” Rinde said.
This includes New Orleans and Nashville.
Showers to dampen Southern California, Pacific Northwest
A pair of storms will bookend the West Coast on New Year’s Eve. Moisture will spread across the Pacific Northwest as well as Southern California and the Southwest.
“A storm over Southern California will spread showers into Los Angeles for a damp start to the new year,” Rinde said.
"Enough cold air could sneak in to change rain to snow over the passes in Southern California," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Ken Clark.
Those planning on ringing in the new year in Seattle; Portland, Oregon; Las Vegas; and San Diego may also need to bring along a poncho or umbrella to any outdoor festivities.
“Rain may change over to snow in Seattle late Saturday night, possibly producing a thin white blanket for the start of the new year,” Rinde said.
The best chance of an accumulation of snow around Seattle will be over the hills and the western slopes of the Cascades and over the Olympic Range.
Extreme cold to remain absent across the nation
Much of the country will experience temperatures near or slightly above normal at the start of 2017.
The coldest air will grip the northern Plains, where temperatures will drop into the teens and single digits on Saturday night.
However, chilly air will settle into the Southwest and is likely to bring cool conditions for parade and bowl game activities in the region into early next week.
Report a Typo
