Introduction
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A powerful coastal storm is expected to develop this weekend, and forecasters say its path will determine whether New York City sees snow or is largely spared, with confidence highest in a storm system forming near the Carolinas.
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Fox 5 New York MMeteorologist Mike Woods warned that a move slightly closer to the coast could bring a strong nor’easter, while a farther offshore path would limit snowfall amounts across much of the tri-state area.
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The storm could quickly intensify into a bomb cyclone, a rare intensification process that could produce heavy snow, damaging winds and hazardous travel conditions as arctic air remains locked in the Northeast.
new york city – More winter weather may be coming as forecasters track a potential weekend snowstorm that could intensify into a major nor’easter.
what we know
The National Weather Service (NWS) said there is growing confidence that a powerful coastal storm will form later this week, potentially bringing snow, strong winds and freezing temperatures to the New York City area.
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However, small changes in the storm’s track can have a big impact on who sees snow and how much snow is seen. Here’s the latest news about the storm.
New York City winter storm this weekend
what are they talking about
Fox 5 New York MMeteorologist Mike Woods said the region needs to keep a close eye on the storm.
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“If it’s a little further offshore, we’ll be less affected,” Woods said. “But if it gets closer, we could get a major nor’easter.”
Why you should care
Snow is possible in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut as arctic air locks in and cold weather warnings are in effect.
Cold weather continues Wednesday. Highest temperatures will only be in the 20s, but with wind, the “warmest” temperatures will feel like the 10s.
Will it snow this weekend?
what are they talking about
Fox 5 New YorkMeteorologist Mike Woods said the region needs to keep a close eye on the storm.
“If it’s a little further offshore, we’ll be less affected,” Woods said. “But if it gets closer, we could get a major nor’easter.”
Dig deeper
Woods said some current forecast models are showing snowfall in parts of the tri-state area from Saturday night into Sunday, particularly along the Jersey Shore and the eastern end of Long Island.
There is greater confidence that coastal areas of South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia will experience winter impacts as a low pressure area develops along the southeast coast. (Fox Weather)
Other conditions kept storms away from the coast, limiting their impact on cities. Forecasters stressed that the storm’s exact path remains uncertain. Even a change of 50 to 100 miles can change the type of precipitation, the total amount of snowfall, or whether there is little or no snowfall in some areas.
Possible Nor’easter this weekend: When will it snow?
Forecasts show snow could begin falling as early as Friday night in parts of the Southeast before spreading northward.
This setup includes very cold air already present over the Northeast, combined with developing coastal storms that could move moisture northward. Woods noted that temperatures will tend to be cooler rather than warmer over the next few days.
Possible Northeast Scenario
“We’re receiving more Arctic air,” he said. “That’s why temperatures are actually falling rather than rising.”
Wind chill warnings are in effect for parts of the region, with temperatures feeling below zero in some areas.
What is a Bomb Cyclone Winter Storm?
Fox Weather said the developing storm is likely to rapidly intensify, a process known as “bombing,” which could turn it into a bomb cyclone. Forecast models indicate that as the storm moves offshore, its central pressure may drop sharply, a sign of rapid intensification.
However, where this reinforcement occurs remains uncertain. Meteorologists stress that the storm is still days away and a variety of conditions remain.
What is a bomb cyclone?
According to FOX Weather, bomb cyclones form through a process called bombogenesis, which occurs when the central pressure of a storm drops by at least 24 millibars over a 24-hour period.
Why is it snowing when it’s so cold?
Backstory
Forecasters say a significant drop in the jet stream is strengthening cold air over much of the eastern United States while steering the storm farther south before it turns north.
HOBOKEN, NJ – JANUARY 26: Large chunks of ice float on the Hudson River in front of Midtown Manhattan and the Empire State Building skyline in New York City on January 26, 2026 in Hoboken, New Jersey. (Photo by Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)
A strong upper-air disturbance is expected to become embedded in the jet stream later this week, triggering the formation of an East Coast low.
On January 26, 2026, a woman walked in the snow in Brooklyn, New York City, with the Lower Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge in the background. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
With cold air already present, this combination increases the risk of snow if the storm moves close enough to the area.
what we don’t know
Meteorologists said updates over the next few days will be critical in determining the storm’s impact on New York City and surrounding areas.
The biggest question remains the storm’s path as it moves through the Carolinas, with forecast models divided on whether the storm will move far enough north to bring another weekend of snow to the Northeast.
5 day forecast
Wednesday: Bitingly cold, but dry. The arctic air is still present, the sun is shining, the wind is biting, and temperatures are below freezing throughout the tri-state area.
Thursday: The weather continues to be cold and clouds are gradually increasing. No precipitation is expected, but cold air sets the stage for potential impacts over the weekend.
Friday: Cloud cover increases as coastal storms begin to form along the southeastern coast. Parts of the Carolinas and southern Virginia will see snow by Friday night. The weather remains cold locally and precipitation in New York City remains uncertain.
Saturday: The storm system is moving north along the East Coast. Parts of New Jersey, Long Island and coastal areas could see snow, depending on the path of the storm. New York City remains in “wait and see” mode.
Sunday: If the storm approaches the coast, persistent snow, wind and cold are possible. Paths farther offshore will limit impacts, while closer paths may bring strong northeasterly winds and snow.
Fox weather real-time updates
Join FOX 5’s professional meteorologists live on FOX LOCAL to learn about the snowfall. We’re live streaming the latest forecasts, snow potential and preparation tips ahead of the storm and throughout the weekend non-stop. Download Fox Local Get 24/7 weather coverage on your smart TV and mobile devices.
source
This report is based on information from the NWS, FOX 5 NY’s Mike Woods and FOX Weather.