Forecasters Release Spring Outlook, But First: More Snow?

Warmer than average temperatures are expected this spring. But don’t get excited just yet: another winter storm threatens early next week, forecasters say.

The Weather Channel released its Spring 2016 Outlook Friday, saying a “warmer than average” spring may be in store for the northern tier of the United States, including Pennsylvania.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service is tracking a storm that could bring snow, sleet or rain — or all three — to the area early next week.

Let’s get to the good news first: By the end of March, above average temperatures are likely, The Weather Channel says. In April and May, that warmth is likely to persist in the northern tier of the country, including Pennsylvania, according to the outlook. Click here to read the full Spring 2016 Outlook.

Now back to the not-so-good news: The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook, saying there is the “potential for a strong coastal storm” to hit the region on Tuesday and Wednesday, though the track of the storm was uncertain as of Friday.

The National Weather Service says some snow could hit the area Friday, but will likely change to rain.

Next week’s storm from the Gulf of Mexico is expected to turn northward along the Atlantic Seaboard next week, potentially resulting in a snowstorm for parts of our region, according to AccuWeather. Travel delays and disruptions to daily activities are likely, regardless of whether the storm yields snow, rain or both, according to AccuWeather.

A storm path just inland of the coast would result in a warmer scenario in the swath from the Interstate 95 corridor to the beaches with mostly rain, according to AccuWeather.