Western New York prepares for a powerful winter storm during Thanksgiving week – Diario La Página –

The streak of warm, snow-free weather that has characterized November in Western New York could come to an end just as millions of people plan to travel for Thanksgiving, one of the most important holidays in the United States. According to weather forecasts, a classic atmospheric pattern known as “polar crossflow” is expected to funnel Arctic air from northwest Canada to the northeast of the country, bringing with it a drastic drop in temperatures and possible winter storms.

As of November 22, Buffalo had recorded an average of 9°C, making it the warmest November since records began in 1873. Additionally, the city had not received a single snowfall until that date, marking the latest onset of the snow season in the region since data began to be recorded in the 1880s, according to data from ABC News.

The combination of unusually high temperatures and the absence of snow has been especially notable in the Great Lakes area, where the water in Lake Erie is at 11°C, a value that has only been recorded one other time for this time of year. year: 1931. Curiously, the winter of 1931-1932 was marked by heavy snowfall, accumulating a total of 1.89 meters in Buffalo.

However, weather experts warn that these conditions will not last much longer. “We are experiencing an extraordinarily warm November, but things are about to change,” noted the Climate Prediction Center of the National Weather Service in its X account.

Cold and snow forecasts

Weather models indicate that the polar crossflow will allow a mass of cold air to move into the northern plains of the United States, subsequently spreading to the northeast and affecting regions such as Buffalo and the Great Lakes in the days after Thanksgiving . This pattern of arctic winds could intensify the phenomenon known as “lake effect snow,” in which the warm waters of Lake Erie feed local storms with large accumulations of snow.

Against this backdrop, the Northeast is expected to face “some weather shenanigans,” according to experts, resulting in potential winter storms that could complicate road and air travel. Just as millions of Americans are planning trips to reunite with family and friends, winter conditions could cause significant delays and dangers on major routes.

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest holidays in the United States, with more than 55 million people traveling in 2023, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). Of this total, around 49 million choose to travel by car, while another 4.7 million travel by plane.

While the days leading up to the holiday are often chaotic, this year it could be even more complicated due to the expected adverse weather conditions. Travelers traveling through the Northeast and Great Lakes region could face snow-covered roads, reduced visibility and strong winds, increasing the risk of accidents and delays.

Airports in and around Buffalo could also experience disruptions, as well as possible flight cancellations or rescheduling due to snow storms and low temperatures. Meteorologists urge travelers to stay informed about weather updates and consider adjusting their plans to avoid the worst conditions.

With the official start of meteorological winter on December 1, residents of Buffalo and other northeastern cities are being urged to prepare for impending winter conditions. This includes checking that their vehicles are equipped with snow tires, stocking up on basic supplies like food and flashlights, and protecting their homes from freezing temperatures.

Additionally, local officials recommend putting up Christmas decorations as soon as possible to avoid doing so in the middle of a snowstorm or frigid temperatures. “This is the perfect time to get out your winter clothes and make sure you’re ready for what’s coming,” said a local meteorologist.