Frigid Weather, Snow Squalls Forecast for Northeast

Multiple rounds of snow, ice, and plummeting temperatures expected in coming days

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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The Northeast is bracing for several rounds of wintry weather this week, including a quick-moving storm bringing snow to the mid-Atlantic on Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by widespread snow squalls and an Arctic blast on Friday that will send temperatures plunging. Meteorologists warn the unsettled conditions could lead to hazardous travel and rapidly changing weather patterns.

Why it matters

The persistent cold and snow in the Northeast this winter has already strained energy supplies and infrastructure. This latest round of winter weather could further disrupt travel, business operations, and daily life for millions of residents across the region.

The details

The first system is expected to bring a stripe of snow from the central U.S. into the mid-Atlantic late Tuesday, with several inches possible in the Ohio Valley and central Appalachians. Cities like Washington, D.C. and Baltimore could see up to an inch of snow late Tuesday into Wednesday morning. Then on Friday, a cold front will sweep through the Northeast, bringing widespread snow showers and snow squalls that could rapidly reduce visibility and ice over roads, especially during the evening commute. Temperatures are forecast to plummet behind the front, with overnight lows in the single digits in some areas.

  • The storm system is expected to move into the mid-Atlantic late Tuesday, February 3, and continue into Wednesday, February 4.
  • Snow squalls and an Arctic blast are forecast for Friday, February 6, into Saturday, February 7.

The players

AccuWeather

A leading commercial weather forecasting company that provides weather data and analysis.

Peyton Simmers

An AccuWeather meteorologist who warned about the upcoming snow squalls and plunging temperatures.

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What they’re saying

“Snow showers and snow squalls are going to accompany the arctic cold front as it traverses the Northeast on Friday. These snow showers and squalls can limit visibility and lead to roads becoming snow-covered and icy quickly.”

— Peyton Simmers, Meteorologist (AccuWeather)

What’s next

Meteorologists will continue to monitor the developing weather patterns and provide updated forecasts as the week progresses. Residents are advised to stay tuned to local weather reports and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions that could impact travel and daily activities.

The takeaway

This latest round of winter weather underscores the persistent cold and unsettled conditions that have plagued the Northeast this season. Businesses and commuters will need to remain vigilant and prepared for the potential disruptions caused by snow, ice, and plunging temperatures in the coming days.