Northeast US Buried Under Heavy Snow After Years of Mild Winters

This winter has brought heavier snowfall to the northeastern US after several years of mild conditions. Cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Boston have already recorded above-average snow totals. The shift comes after two winters with far less snow than usual in the region.

Two major storms struck in quick succession, one in late January and another in early February, bringing significant snow totals along the I-95 corridor, where cities typically see their heaviest snowfall in February. The combination of cold air and unusually chilly Atlantic sea surface temperatures has fuelled the snowy pattern.

Before this season, the Northeast had experienced warmer winters with declining snowfall. New York City alone faced a snowfall deficit of over three feet across the previous two winters. This year's early storms have already pushed many areas past their usual seasonal totals.

Forecasters now expect a warming trend in mid-to-late February. If the pattern holds, the season's biggest snow events may have already passed.

The recent snow marks a sharp turnaround from the region's mild winters. While February usually delivers the most snow, the upcoming warming trend could limit further accumulations. Cities that had seen little snow in past years have now exceeded their typical totals well ahead of schedule.