Some U.S. Cities Have Already Gotten Snow — How Much Are We Expected to Get?

Although many of us are still finishing off our Thanksgiving leftovers, the holiday season already appears to be in full swing. Store windows are decked out, Christmas movies are playing on TV, and holiday music is constantly blaring at the grocery store. Most importantly, though, snow has arrived in mass quantities, burying a handful of unsuspecting U.S. cities.

With a rather premature post-Thanksgiving snow storm, U.S. residents are starting to worry about how much snow we're going to get nationwide this week — and this year — especially during pandemic lockdowns that will likely continue through spring 2021. Stay tuned for what we know regarding the impending winter's expected precipitation levels.

The East Coast is currently facing its first winter snow storm of 2020, as heavy precipitation is forecasted through Wednesday, Dec. 2, according to The New York Times. Although New England is mostly expecting rain, the lower Great Lakes through the Ohio Valley have received snow, with more expected to come. Southwest Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia are expected to receive four to seven inches, and Northeast Ohio could get up to nine inches.

Parts of Northern and Northeast Georgia also received a winter storm advisory, with upwards of 2 inches of snow in the forecast. Northeastern Alabama even had potential snow in the forecast, though no accumulation was expected due to warm ground temperatures, according to The Patch. By Friday, however, temperatures are expected to rise, once again, to the mid-50s.

Take a look at some of the photos U.S. residents across the country have posted to Twitter, recording bits of the highly unsuspected snow storm. Although you may not be ready for a full-on blizzard until Christmas Day arrives, the photos some have snapped from across the country are seriously gorgeous.

There are a few factors that contribute to how we look at the impending winter forecast. This year we are apparently dealing with La Niña conditions, according to WSLS, which will affect various parts of the country in different ways. Generally, the Southeastern U.S. faces warmer and drier conditions, while the Great Lakes states and the Pacific Northwest experience wetter — and potentially snowier — conditions.

The upper Midwest, alternatively, may experience cooler-than-usual temperatures. WSLS claims their research shows most La Niña winters bring less snow in general, but that doesn't mean there won't be snow at all. It all depends on the conditions, and of course, global warming. Those of us based in colder states, however, are definitely hoping for a mild winter, that won't keep us completely locked inside, alongside the ongoing pandemic lockdowns.

The holiday season is not only here spiritually, but also weather-wise, as it's definitely bringing in some festive winter precipitation. Hopefully, though, you'll be able to enjoy it if it ultimately hits your neighborhood — we already have some hot cocoa brewing, in anticipation.