Heavy rain and snow are forecast to impact several Northeastern US cities beginning Thursday night, November 12, 2026, through Saturday, November 14, 2026. The weather system bringing this precipitation is expected to affect urban centers including New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., with significant precipitation and deteriorating conditions continuing through the weekend.
Flight Disruptions Expected in Major Northeastern Airports
Flight operations in the Northeast are likely to face delays starting Thursday afternoon, November 12, due to precipitation and poor visibility. AccuWeather forecasts disruptions at key airports serving New York City, Boston Logan International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, and Washington D.C.’s Reagan National and Dulles International
Airports. Inclement weather could also cause power outages in some areas, further impacting travel.
Temperature Drop and Snowfall in High Elevation Regions
Alongside rain in low-lying cities, snowfall is anticipated in mountainous and high-altitude areas. Regions including Elkins, West Virginia; Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania; Saranac Lake, New York; as well as northern Pennsylvania and the Adirondacks are expected to receive several inches of snow. Portions of Boston and New York City may also see snowflakes during this period. Temperatures are projected to fall sharply on November 12 in several cities such as Boston, New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Indianapolis.
El Nino’s Influence on Winter Weather Patterns
The ongoing strong El Nino event in
the Pacific Ocean is altering weather patterns across the United States. This phenomenon increases moisture levels and raises temperatures, contributing to the heavy precipitation in the Northeast but reducing the overall snow accumulation in Northern cities. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 41 of the Lower 48 states are forecasted to experience warmer than average winter temperatures, with Salt Lake City projected to have above-normal snowfall. Conversely, Chicago, Boston, New York, and Philadelphia are expected to receive only half or less of their typical winter snow amounts.
Regional Impact and Broader Weather Context
The storm system extends rain and snow from Tennessee and North
Carolina in the south up through Maine in the northeast. Western states, meanwhile, may see drought conditions ease as El Nino brings increased precipitation. Despite this, the overall snowfall deficit in northern urban centers underscores a shift in winter weather patterns for the 2026 season. Travelers in affected cities should anticipate weather-related delays and disruptions through at least November 14.
