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

Jon Erdman
Published: December 27,2016
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 a frontal system moving through the Midwest and East, and two additional low pressure systems impacting the West, which could lead to some holiday headaches.
Let's break down the forecast for 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 Saturday into Saturday night in the Four Corners/Desert Southwest and southern California.
• Another system may bring snow to much of the Pacific Northwest, possibly to some lower elevations as well, with rain along the coast on New Year's Eve.
• Temperatures will be near to above average from Texas into the Midwest and Northwest, with cooler than average conditions are expected in much of the West.

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. Precipitation is expected to be generally light.
• Rain and thunderstorms are expected for much of the South and northward into the Ohio Valley. Most of Florida will likely stay dry, with the exception of the panhandle.
• Rain and mountain snow are expected along the West Coast from Washington to northern California. Snow may spread into the inter-mountain West. Rain and snow will also persist in Arizona and New Mexico.
• Much of the Midwest and Plains should be dry.
• A mild start to the year is anticipated from the Plains to the East Coast, while temperatures will likely be near to below average for the West.

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