First Snow of the Season: Northeast Areas Facing Snow November 12–14

First Snow of the Season: Northeast Areas Facing Snow November 12–14

Parts of the northeastern United States could receive their first accumulating snowfall of the 2026–27 season between Thursday, November 12, and Saturday, November 14, as a developing coastal storm brings colder air and precipitation into the region.

The highest risk of accumulating snow is in elevated areas of Vermont, the Adirondacks in upstate New York and other parts of the interior Northeast. The National Weather Service in Burlington says some locations around and above 2,000 feet could receive 3 to 6 inches, although it warns that forecast uncertainty remains substantial.

Major cities along the Interstate 95 corridor, including New York City, Philadelphia and Boston, are generally expected to experience rain rather than significant accumulating snow.

The storm's exact track, the arrival of colder air and the elevation of individual locations will determine where rain changes to snow and how much accumulation occurs.

Where Could the First Snow Fall in the Northeast?

The strongest potential for accumulating snow is in higher-elevation communities rather than the major coastal population centres.

National Weather Service forecast discussions published Wednesday, November 11, identify several areas to watch.

Vermont and the Adirondacks

Higher elevations in Vermont and New York's Adirondack Mountains have some of the clearest signals for early-season accumulating snow.

The National Weather Service office in Burlington estimates:

• Around and above 2,000 feet: 3 to 6 inches in its most likely scenario.
• Between 1,000 and 2,000 feet: 1 to 3 inches.
• Below 1,000 feet: A slushy coating is the current expectation.

These are forecast ranges, not guaranteed snowfall totals. The office says different forecast models still produce widely varying outcomes.

Northern Vermont could also receive less snow if the heaviest precipitation bands remain farther south.

Source: National Weather Service Burlington forecast discussion.

Upstate New York

The Adirondacks are among the areas most favoured for accumulating snow.

The National Weather Service in Albany says early-season accumulation is likely across northern and higher-terrain locations from Thursday into Friday.

Rain is expected to arrive first in many locations. As temperatures fall, precipitation could change to snow over the higher terrain.

However, the transition in lower-elevation valleys remains uncertain. Some forecast models suggest snow could reach valley communities by Friday morning, but that outcome depends on the storm's track, precipitation intensity and arrival of sufficiently cold air.

Source: National Weather Service Albany forecast discussion.

New Hampshire and the White Mountains

Higher elevations of New Hampshire are also among the areas to monitor as the system moves through New England.

The broader regional forecast favours wet snow in elevated parts of the interior Northeast, particularly as colder air arrives overnight.

The amount that accumulates will depend on elevation and how long temperatures remain cold enough for snow to stick.

West Virginia and the Central Appalachians

The cold front will also bring a change in precipitation across the mountains of West Virginia.

The National Weather Service in Charleston expects rain to arrive before a transition to a rain-and-snow mix across the mountains Thursday night, followed by snow by Friday.

Some accumulation is possible in higher mountain areas, although the forecast does not suggest that all communities in the state will receive snow.

Source: National Weather Service Charleston, West Virginia.

Will It Snow in New York City, Boston, Philadelphia or Washington, DC?

The major cities along the I-95 corridor are not currently expected to experience significant accumulating snowfall from this system.

The coastal areas are likely to remain warm enough for much of the precipitation to fall as rain.

The distinction matters because a forecast for snow in the mountains does not mean the entire Northeast will experience a snowstorm.

The National Weather Service in Boston says much of southern New England should receive a prolonged period of rain, with snow mainly in higher elevations and no significant accumulation expected there.

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When Will the Northeast Storm Arrive?

The developing system is expected to move east from the Midwest and Ohio Valley before approaching the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

The main forecast window is Thursday, November 12, through Saturday, November 14.

The expected progression is:

• Wednesday, November 11: The system develops and moves east, with rain spreading into parts of the region.
• Thursday, November 12: Rain reaches more of the Northeast. Higher elevations begin to see a greater chance of snow.
• Thursday night into Friday, November 13: Colder air and heavier precipitation could support accumulating snow in elevated areas.
• Saturday, November 14: Lingering showers and colder conditions remain possible as the system moves away.

The timing and intensity could change as the storm develops. Forecast models have not fully agreed on its speed and track.

Why Are Snowfall Forecasts Still Uncertain?

The storm is expected to bring precipitation into an area where temperatures may initially be too warm for snow to accumulate at lower elevations.

That creates a narrow window in which changes in temperature, elevation and precipitation intensity can make a significant difference.

The National Weather Service in Burlington says the first precipitation may fall as rain in valleys while mountain summits receive snow.

As heavier precipitation arrives and nighttime temperatures fall, snow levels could descend. However, lower valleys may remain just above freezing, limiting accumulation.

The NWS also warns that its forecast models have a wide range of possible snowfall outcomes. Its higher-end scenarios could produce heavier, wetter snow in elevated areas, potentially increasing the risk of branches and power lines being weighed down.

This is why early reports of a uniform 2-to-6-inch snowfall across the Northeast should be treated cautiously. The official forecasts show substantial differences by elevation and location.

How Cold Will It Get Across the Eastern United States?

The storm is arriving alongside a significant surge of colder air from Canada.

The National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center says an unusually strong polar air mass will bring the coldest temperatures of the season so far to much of the central and eastern United States.

The cold will extend beyond the areas expecting snow. Communities that receive only rain could still experience a sharp change in temperatures.

CBS News has reported that temperatures could fall 20 to 25 degrees below seasonal averages in parts of the eastern United States.

The exact temperature drop will vary by location. Snowfall is only one part of the broader weather pattern.

Could the Storm Affect Travel?

Rain, gusty winds and falling temperatures could create difficult travel conditions in parts of the Northeast.

In higher-elevation areas where snow accumulates, roads may become slushy or slippery, particularly overnight and during the early morning.

Drivers travelling through the Adirondacks, Green Mountains and other mountainous areas should monitor local forecasts for updated road conditions and winter weather advisories.

Wet, heavy snow could also weigh on trees and power lines in areas receiving higher accumulations.

Travellers should check official National Weather Service alerts before setting out, especially if their routes pass through elevated terrain.

When Will Temperatures Return to Normal?

The coldest conditions are expected to follow the storm, but the current forecast does not indicate that the cold spell will persist indefinitely.

The National Weather Service in Burlington expects a quieter and warmer pattern to develop next week as high pressure builds across the Great Lakes and Northeast.

Some lingering mountain rain and snow showers may occur on Sunday, November 15, before conditions become drier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will it snow in the Northeast on November 12, 2026?

The strongest potential for accumulating snow is in higher-elevation areas of Vermont, the Adirondacks in New York and parts of the interior Northeast. Mountain areas of West Virginia could also see snow later in the system.

How much snow could Vermont receive?

The National Weather Service in Burlington's most likely scenario calls for 3 to 6 inches around and above 2,000 feet, 1 to 3 inches between 1,000 and 2,000 feet, and a slushy coating below 1,000 feet. Forecast uncertainty remains high.

Will New York City get snow?

The current forecast favours rain rather than significant accumulating snow in New York City. The better chance for accumulating snow is in higher-elevation areas of upstate New York.

Will Boston get snow?

Southern New England is expected to receive mainly rain. The National Weather Service in Boston says significant snow accumulation is not expected across its forecast area, although higher elevations farther inland have a better chance of snow.

When will the coldest weather arrive?

Colder air is expected to spread across the eastern United States behind the storm, with particularly cold conditions continuing into the weekend of November 14–15.

Bottom Line

The Northeast's first accumulating snow of the 2026–27 season could arrive between November 12 and 14, but the greatest risk is concentrated in higher-elevation and interior locations.

The Adirondacks and elevated parts of Vermont are among the areas with the strongest current snowfall signals. Major coastal cities are more likely to experience rain and colder temperatures than a significant snowstorm.

Because the storm track and snowfall forecasts remain uncertain, residents and travellers should follow updated National Weather Service forecasts as the system approaches.

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