First 'Major' Snow In Northeast Could Come Before Thanksgiving

Connecticut could become some sort of winter wonderland even before the holidays arrive, according to forecasters.

Signs are pointing toward a displacement of the "polar vortex," accompanied by a significant storm with rain, snow and wind impacting Connecticut and the Northeast during the days prior to Thanksgiving, according to an AccuWeather release this week.

"There is the risk for the first major snowstorm somewhere in the Northeast during the period from Saturday, Nov. 18, to Tuesday, Nov. 22," AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said in a release.

The polar vortex is a storm that typically hangs out within the Arctic Circle. Arctic air is usually locked up within the bounds of this storm.

"One such southward displacement of arctic air is in progress and will sweep across the Upper Midwest and Northeast into this weekend," according to Pastelok. "A second southward displacement is possible around the days prior to Thanksgiving.

Such a storm can pose major travel problems should the storm grab the cold air fast enough to produce heavy snow inland and heavy rain and wind on the coast.

While there is talk of a possible snowstorm before Thanksgiving, the reality is the weather pattern, at least as it pertains to precipitation, remains tranquil through most of next weekend, says NBC Connecticut Meteorologist Ryan Hanrahan in a blog post.

But he adds, "By next weekend, however, our zonal flow becomes much more amplified. A large blocking ridge over Greenland which flips the North Atlantic Oscillation to negative. This will increase our chances for stormy weather and possibly even some snow before Thanksgiving."

Beginning next weekend, travel typically ramps up as some people begin to head to Thanksgiving destinations, according to the release.

Regardless of the storm potential, people planning on traveling by car this Thanksgiving should make sure their vehicle is prepared for winter travel conditions. A set of tires with decent tread, new wiper blades and adequate fluids are a good start in advance of the trip, according to the release.

The magnitude and path of the cold air as well as the exact formation and track of the storm may become clear later next week.

Here is the weather forecast for southern Connecticut:

Veterans Day: Sunny, with a high near 39. Wind chill values between 15 and 25. North wind 6 to 8 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 25. Light northeast wind.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 48. Wind chill values between 25 and 35 early. Calm wind becoming northeast around 6 mph.

Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Northeast wind 3 to 6 mph.

Here is the weather forecast for northern Connecticut:

Veterans Day: Sunny, with a high near 36. North wind 5 to 7 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 21. Calm wind.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 44. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. Light and variable wind.

Watch Now: First 'Major' Snow In Northeast Could Come Before Thanksgiving

Written by Tom Davis, Patch Editor Patch file photo