A potential northeast snowstorm is being monitored for late this week as a developing coastal system could bring rain, mountain snow and gusty winds from Thursday, November 12, into Saturday, November 14.
Forecast confidence is increasing that a storm will affect parts of the northeastern United States, but forecasters say it is too early to describe the system as a major snowstorm.
The most likely outcome currently favours rain in lower elevations and coastal areas, with wet snow possible in higher terrain.
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Northeast snowstorm forecast remains uncertain
The U.S. National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center said an upper-level trough will strengthen across the eastern United States later this week.
That pattern is expected to support the development of a low-pressure system near the East Coast, bringing the potential for cold rain and inland snow.
The system could begin as an area of low pressure moving from the Ohio Valley toward the Mid-Atlantic on Thursday.
Some forecast guidance then shows the low redeveloping or strengthening near the coast before tracking northeast toward Atlantic Canada.
That track is not yet settled.
A storm farther offshore would generally limit snowfall across the major coastal cities, while a closer or slower-moving system could produce stronger winds and a greater chance of snow inland.
The Weather Prediction Center has identified the eastern United States as an area to monitor for winter-weather hazards, while noting that the details remain dependent on the eventual storm track and the amount of cold air available.
Where snow is most likely
Current forecasts place the highest snow potential in the higher elevations of northern New England, upstate New York and parts of inland New England.
Even there, accumulations are expected to remain highly dependent on elevation, precipitation intensity and the storm’s path.
The National Weather Service office in Albany, New York, said valley locations will likely see rain through Friday, with a possible change to wet snow during the weekend as colder air filters in.
Light accumulations are considered more likely above roughly 450 metres, while paved-surface impacts in valleys appear limited at this stage.
In Maine and New Hampshire, forecasters are watching for measurable snow late this week, but the regional forecast office cautioned that significant impacts remain uncertain.
For southern New England, including the Boston area, plain rain is currently favoured in lower elevations and along the coast.
Wet snow could mix in across interior high ground, but forecasters say meaningful wintry impacts appear limited for now.
| Area | Current expectation |
|---|---|
| Coastal Northeast | Rain, with gusty winds possible |
| New York City region | Rain most likely; wet snow risk mainly well inland |
| Interior New York and New England | Rain changing to wet snow in higher elevations |
| Northern New England | Highest potential for measurable snow |
| Atlantic Canada | Possible downstream effects as the system moves northeast |
Timing and possible impacts
Rain could spread into parts of the Northeast on Thursday, November 12, before the storm becomes more organized Thursday night or Friday, November 13.
Some forecast offices are also watching the possibility of a second area of coastal development late Friday into early Saturday.
That scenario could prolong periods of rain and increase winds, although it remains less certain than the initial system.
The storm is expected to move away by Sunday, November 15, with lingering lake-effect or upslope snow showers possible in parts of the interior Northeast.
Travel conditions could become difficult temporarily in higher terrain if rain changes to wet snow, particularly during periods of reduced visibility or gusty winds.
No widespread winter storm warnings were in effect for the region based on the forecast information available Tuesday morning.
Residents and travellers should rely on local forecasts as the event draws closer.
Snowfall forecasts several days in advance can change substantially when a coastal storm’s track shifts by even a small distance.
What happens next
Forecasters are expected to narrow the storm track and precipitation forecast over the next 24 to 48 hours as newer weather models become available.
The key questions are whether the coastal low deepens rapidly, how close it tracks to land and whether colder air arrives quickly enough to support accumulating snow outside the higher elevations.
For now, the forecast points to a transition from the recent mild pattern toward colder, unsettled weather across the Northeast.
The most likely hazards are rain, wet snow in elevated areas and gusty winds, rather than a confirmed major snowstorm for the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
When could the Northeast storm arrive?
Rain could begin spreading into parts of the region on Thursday, November 12, with the most unsettled conditions possible Thursday night through Saturday, November 14.
Will this be a major snowstorm?
That is not confirmed. Current forecasts favour rain in coastal and lower-elevation areas, with wet snow and light accumulations mainly possible in higher terrain.
Which areas have the highest snow risk?
Higher elevations in northern New England, upstate New York and inland New England currently have the greatest chance of measurable snow.
Could New York City receive snow?
Current guidance favours rain in New York City. Wet snow could mix in mainly across higher elevations well inland, but confidence is low.
When will the forecast become clearer?
Forecast confidence should improve over the next 24 to 48 hours as weather models better resolve the storm’s track, strength and available cold air.
Fact-Checked: Key timing, forecast uncertainty and precipitation details were checked against National Weather Service and NOAA forecast discussions available on November 10, 2026. ([forecast.weather.gov](https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?format=txt&glossary=0&issuedby=EPD&product=PRE&site=PUB&version=1&utm_source=openai))
Disclaimer: Forecast details may change as the storm develops; readers should check local government weather alerts before travelling.