Weakening Vortex Could Bring First Major Snow to Philadelphia

A potential polar-vortex-driven cold spell could set the stage for the first significant snowstorm along the Interstate 95 corridor across the Midwest and Northeast, depending on the combination of several factors.

According to FOX Weather, current computer forecast models suggest that snow will move into the Midwest on Saturday and into the Northeast by Sunday. However, there is significant uncertainty in the forecast.

The FOX Forecast Center notes that current forecast models indicate the polar vortex's circulation will weaken later this week and into the weekend, allowing more cold air to spill into the U.S. Midwest and Northeast.

If enough cold air can take hold of the Midwest and Northeast this weekend, it would set up optimal snow-producing conditions for a quick-moving storm system currently forecast to move east out of the Pacific Northwest. The system would also need more moisture to move up from the South to produce significant snow.

If these conditions are met, an area of low pressure could form near the coast this weekend, increasing the opportunity for the first major snow across the Northeast, including the Boston, Philadelphia, and New York metro areas.

If conditions are right, the weather event would deliver the first substantial snowfall for this portion of the Interstate 95 corridor.

The storm supports a long-range outlook from NOAA last month that forecasted an active start to meteorological winter, partly due to a La Niña climate pattern.