ZEMS BLOG

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Temperatures will rise slightly on Thursday to near the freezing mark as a coastal low develops off the Carolinas. This will be the rally in the next few days
We're tracking the potential for more light snow on Friday; We expect it to be similar to the storm earlier in the week, averaging 1 to 3 inches across the Tri-State.
The coldest air since last February is moving in this weekend behind a storm system, and temperatures are not expected to rise above the freezing mark until Monday.

The third winter storm in about a week is set to hit the tri-state area on Friday, dumping up to 3 inches of snow on locations before ushering in the coldest air the region has seen in nearly a year.

Temperatures are already extremely cold, barely reaching the freezing mark on Thursday, and will drop again before the system arrives on Friday, meaning this will be an all-snow event in affected areas.

Early estimates call for widespread snowfall of 1 to 3 inches possible in the tri-state area, similar to the recent overnight storm. The latter was enough to break Central Park's 701-day snow drought, but not by much.

Isolated higher amounts, up to 4 inches, are possible with this storm.

A winter weather advisory has been issued starting Friday morning for much of New Jersey. This has not been expanded for the city yet, but the National Weather Service could adjust the map if forecast totals exceed current forecasts. Check the latest severe weather alerts here.

How much snow will we get?

What is the snow schedule? See the hourly forecast for New York City

Right now, it looks like snow will start falling in the city at sunrise on Friday, tapering off between 5pm and 8pm, and most locations should see about 3 inches of snowfall over a 9-12 hour period.

The end of the morning commute on Friday could be smooth, with accumulation beginning. It can be most slippery in the evening rush hour, as untreated roads, driveways and sidewalks become extremely slippery throughout the day.

The approaching system will also bring behind it the coldest air since last February. Saturday will be the coldest day, with wind chills in the single digits. We expect more of the same for Sunday.