New Year's Forecast: East, West and South to Ring In 2017 Wet or Snowy

Jon Erdman
Published: December 26,2016
We've reached the end of another year, and it's time to ring in 2017.
(2016 RECAPS: Top Weather Stories | Weirdest Weather | Best Photos)
Fortunately, we're not forecasting a major winter storm or, for our southern friends, a bout of severe weather for the New Year's holiday weekend.
However, there will be at least a frontal system moving through the Midwest and East, and another sliding into the West Coast, which could lead to some holiday headaches.
Let's break down the forecast for each day this holiday weekend.
(MAPS: 7-Day Rain/Snow | Forecast Highs and Lows)

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve Forecast

• Light snow will spread from the Great Lakes into at least the interior Northeast by evening. 
• Rain, possibly with embedded thunderstorms, looks likely in the lower Mississippi Valley, Tennessee Valley and Ohio Valley.
• Valley rain and mountain snow showers are possible early in the day in the Four Corners/Desert Southwest.
• It's unclear whether the West Coast will remain dry, or if a pair of weak weather systems brings some rain by New Year's Eve.

New Year's Day

New Year's Day Forecast

• Light snow is possible in parts of the interior Northeast.
• The Interstate 95 corridor may see either rain, sleet, freezing rain or snow.
• Rain and thunderstorms are expected in the Southeast and Gulf Coast region, including north Florida.
• Rain and mountain snow are expected along the West Coast from Washington to northern California. Some snow may spread into the northern Rockies.
• Much of the nation's mid-section should be dry.

(MORE: January Outlook)
MORE: Winter Storm Europa (PHOTOS)