New York City, get ready! It seems that the city’s long streak of no snowfall might finally be coming to an end this weekend. The big question on everyone’s mind right now is whether it will be snow, rain, or a wintry mix.

It’s been nearly 700 days since the last significant snowfall in New York City. But this historic lack of snow might be about to change. A low pressure system is poised to form off the Mid-Atlantic coast on Saturday and strengthen as it moves northward towards Long Island by Sunday morning.

According to forecast models, precipitation is expected to arrive after sunset on Saturday, starting as a mix of rain and snow. But here’s where it gets interesting: the predictions diverge from here. Some models suggest that there will be periods of snow through Sunday morning, possibly bringing the city its first snowfall of over 1 inch since February 2022. Winter enthusiasts, rejoice! However, others are saying that temperatures will be too warm, resulting in a mix of rain and snow with no significant accumulation.

What’s causing this difference in predictions? Well, there are a few factors at play. On one hand, we have marginally cold air and warm ocean temperatures, indicating that the atmosphere might be too warm to support consistent snowfall. On the other hand, a coastal low pressure system and heavy precipitation could bring about dynamic cooling, which can cool down the atmosphere and lead to measurable snow.

Overall, the forecast is still very uncertain, and New York City is likely to end up somewhere in the middle. A combination of forecast models suggests that there will be periods of snow on Sunday morning, with final accumulations expected to be around 1 to 2 inches in the metro area. Lower amounts are expected near the beaches, while higher snowfall totals of up to 6 inches are possible in the higher elevations of New Jersey, the lower Hudson Valley, and Rockland County.

Meteorologists understand just how complex these storms can be, especially when the city is right on the line between snow and rain. That’s why we’re proceeding with caution and closely monitoring the forecast. It’s very likely that there will be adjustments made in the next day or so as we gain a clearer understanding of the details and intricacies of this upcoming weather system.

So, New Yorkers, make sure you’re prepared for anything this weekend. It could be a snowy wonderland or just another slushy day in the city. Either way, stay tuned for updates as we get closer to the weekend!