PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA — A sharp atmospheric setup developing along and northwest of the I-95 corridor could trigger a brief but intense burst of snow Thursday as rain rapidly flips to snow across parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Maryland. Forecast guidance highlights a strong 700mb frontogenesis signature, a classic signal for narrow bands of heavy precipitation capable of producing short-lived snowfall rates that may briefly turn intense.
While accumulations are expected to remain limited due to warm ground temperatures and daytime sun angle, the window for heavy snow could create temporary travel impacts in major urban corridors.
Strong 700mb Frontogenesis Targeting I-95 Corridor
Model analysis shows a pronounced band of frontogenesis (FGEN) aligned from central Pennsylvania through New Jersey and into portions of southern New York and northern Maryland. Frontogenesis at the 700mb level enhances upward motion in the atmosphere, often leading to narrow but powerful precipitation bands.
This forcing mechanism appears positioned along and northwest of the I-95 corridor, placing cities such as:
- Philadelphia
- Trenton
- Newark
- New York City
- Portions of
within range of the rain-to-snow transition zone…