(CNN) — The first snowflakes of the season will fall in parts of the Northeast as the…
(CNN) — The first snowflakes of the season will fall in some parts of the Northeast as cold air and stormy weather finally seep into the region following a historic drought and unusual fires.
But don’t expect a winter wonderland and don’t get carried away by the headlines and hype. This fall’s unusual and persistent heat will prevent long-lasting snow scenes, unless you live on top of a mountain.
This year, autumn doesn’t feel like it, and it’s a sign of what’s to come.
The storm that will bring snow to the Northeast already brought it to parts of the Midwest. Chicago recorded nearly 3 inches (7 centimeters) of snow early Thursday, the city’s snowiest November day in five years, according to data from the National Weather Service.
The flakes were still flying, but were beginning to slow down early Thursday afternoon in other parts of Illinois and some areas of Indiana.
Dry areas of the Northeast have already received a much-needed round of rain, while parts of Pennsylvania and New York brace for the first batch of snow of the season.
Ongoing precipitation in the region this Thursday afternoon will gradually mix with snow and turn to sleet in elevated areas of Pennsylvania and southern New York overnight. This sleet will fall overnight and could be heavy at times before beginning to taper off Friday afternoon.
Snow will have to fall in large amounts to accumulate more than 3 centimeters (about an inch). This is because the recent period of unusual heat in the Northeast has kept the ground much warmer than it should be in late November. It is difficult for snow to stick and accumulate on surfaces that are not cold enough.
Areas 1,500 feet (457.2 meters) or higher are more likely to see some snow accumulation, perhaps up to half a foot (15 centimeters) at higher elevations, according to the National Weather Service in Binghamton, N.Y. York.
Lower altitude areas will have to face a different problem. Sleet could melt quickly as it reaches warm ground and form ice sheets in areas where air temperatures drop below freezing later Thursday.
Snow will fall across much of central PA over the next 24 to 36 hrs. The Pocono Plateau and upslope regions of the Laurel Highlands may see over 6 inches of accumulation. Check out specific snowfall forecasts for your area at pic.twitter.com/QCbmIrsyvI
— NWS State College (@NWSStateCollege) November 21, 2024
This can cause slippery patches on roads, especially at night.
Major population centers like Philadelphia and New York City will likely stay out of the winter conflict and any precipitation will fall as rain.
Snow will also affect areas outside the northeast. The West Virginia mountains could receive the brunt of the event, with snow expected to continue there through Friday and part of Saturday.
Any snow that does accumulate will likely melt quickly as highs over the weekend will reach between 4 and 10 degrees Celsius across much of Appalachia and the Northeast.
**Long-Term Adaptation Strategies:** What specific long-term strategies, as suggested by Ms. Green, can communities in the Northeast implement to adapt to the increasing frequency of unpredictable weather events like this early snowfall, considering potential ecological and infrastructural impacts?
## World Today News Interview: First Snowfall in the Northeast
**Introduction:**
Welcome back to World Today News. Today, we’re discussing the unusual early snowfall hitting parts of the Northeastern US amidst an ongoing drought and a delayed autumn season. We have two esteemed guests joining us:
* **Dr. Amelia Frost**, a meteorologist specializing in weather patterns and climate change.
* **Ms. Sarah Green**, an environmental conservationist focusing on the impact of weather eventson ecosystems.
**Section 1: Unseasonal Snow and Climate Change**
* **Host:** Dr. Frost, this early snowfall is generating a lot of buzz. Could you paint a broader picture of the weather patterns leading up to this event? What makes this snowfall unusual?
* **Host:** Dr. Frost, many people are connecting this rare early snowfall to climate change. Can you shed light on the potential link between extreme weather events like this and the changing climate?
* **Host:** Ms. Green, from an ecological perspective, how might this early snowfall, while fleeting, impact the local flora and fauna, especially considering the unusual drought conditions this year?
**Section 2: Impact on Communities and Infrastructure**
* **Host:** Ms. Green, while the snowfall might be short-lived, this storm system could bring significant sleet and ice. What potential challenges does this pose to communities, particularly in areas already affected by drought?
* **Host:** Dr. Frost, the article mentioned the possibility of slippery roads due to ice. What precautions should people take, especially those living in higher elevations, to ensure their safety during this unpredictable weather event?
* **Host:** Ms. Green, considering the potential impact on transportation and infrastructure, what long-term considerations should be taken into account when planning for future weather events like these, given the increasing unpredictability of climate change?
**Section 3: Looking Ahead**
* **Host:** Dr. Frost, with the unusual heat this fall, will we see more of these sudden shifts in weather patterns throughout the winter season? Can we expect a similar pattern in other parts of the country?
* **Host:** Ms. Green, what steps can individuals and communities take to prepare for unpredictable weather events and mitigate their impact on the environment?
* **Host:** Thank you both for sharing your valuable insights. This early snowfall serves as a powerful reminder of the changing climate landscape and the importance of understanding and adapting to these evolving weather patterns.
**Closing:**
We encourage our viewers to stay informed about local weather updates and take necessary precautions during this time. For more in-depth information on climate change and its impact, please visit the websites of reputable organizations like NOAA or the EPA.
