NEW YORK — Something seems to be missing, something white and not artificial that we tend to see long before this time of year.
That’s right, it’s called snow. We almost forgot.
We are almost a week away from the start of February and we have yet to see any snow accumulation in the metro area.
In a winter that has seen parts of the country hit by historic snowstorms, including other areas of the state, New York City has been remarkably devoid of snow. Stripped may be too light a term, considering we haven’t seen any measurable snow so far, and we’re already well over a month into the winter season.
When will we have measurable snow in all five boroughs? The timing may finally come midweek, which would make New York City’s winter of 2022-23 the second with the first measurable snowfall recorded in Central Park later than usual. If we make it through next Monday without snow, which is also possible given these above-freezing highs, we’ll have a record.
At this point, Wednesday looks marginally interesting, at least, for those concerned with records and such.
A fast-moving low-pressure system will bring accumulated wet snowfall inland Wednesday, changing to rain Wednesday eve, before ending Wednesday night with the possibility of the metro area getting its first measurable snowfall this season.
Along the coast, any snow will quickly change to rain, likely to keep snow accumulations to a minimum. The precipitation will end as a period of heavy rain Wednesday night, with the exception of the northern suburbs which will be dealing with some sleet and freezing rain.
Gusty winds and light to moderate coastal flooding are also likely locally before the storm leaves.
A winter weather advisory has already been issued for Orange, Passaic, Morris, Warren and Sussex counties for tomorrow, where regarding 3 inches of snow is possible with a winter storm watch also in effect for tomorrow for Sullivan and Sullivan counties. Ulster, where more than half a foot of snow can fall.
The city may have its first measurable snowfall with 0.1 inches of snow possible in Central Park before the change in rain in the followingnoon.
Due to the high moisture content of this storm, it will be heavy, wet snow that can fall up to an inch per hour, reducing visibility, especially in northern counties where snowfall accumulation will be higher.
Along with accumulating snowfall, we are also expecting 1 to 2 inches of rain with 40 to 45 mph southeasterly wind gusts that can cause minor to moderate coastal flooding during Wednesday night’s high tide cycle. That might make for a tricky ride on Wednesday night.
If the snow doesn’t stick, well, it won’t count and therefore Central Park will have a record breaking 2022-2023 winter season.
Regardless, the expected precipitation for Wednesday is expected to change almost entirely to rain later in the day across the metropolitan area.
The latest date to see an accumulation of snow in the Big Apple is January 29, a record set in 1973. So if we can get another few days without measurable snow, we can at least take solace in the fact that we’ll tie or even We will break a record. It’s too far off to accurately predict our chances beyond 10 days at this point, but we promise we’ll keep you posted.
Yes, we’ve technically seen snowflakes this season, but small amounts of snow mixed with rain don’t count for weather data recording purposes, according to the National Weather Service.
Last winter, Central Park recorded its first measurable snowfall on December 23, although it was only 0.2 inches. The first average measurable snowfall in the city is December 7th, and well, it goes without saying that we’re well over a month past that date without seeing any snow.
According to the Weather Prediction Center, we may see above-normal temperatures for the rest of the month. The models themselves are not entirely definitive regarding what is in store in terms of precipitation.
