Nor’easter likely to develop this week, bringing some rain, snow

A likely developing nor'easter is expected to bring a mix of rain and high-elevation snow to New England late this week.

Rain is forecast for New England by Thursday as the storm moves from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic coast.

On Thursday afternoon and evening, there is a chance for non-severe thunderstorms in the tri-state area.

While severe weather is not expected, heavy downpours may lead to localized urban flooding; 0.5 to 2 inches of rainfall is expected across the region. For Thursday, the flood threat overall remains low.

Wet snow accumulations are possible in the higher elevations of New England Thursday night and Friday; in the Green Mountains, 3 to 6 inches are possible above 2,000 feet, 1 to 3 inches are possible from 1,000 to 2,000 feet, and a slushy coating is possible below 1,000 feet.

Most valleys and low elevations of New England will not see snow, and any that do will only see slushy accumulations.

Most of the coast will not see snow, but coastal Maine could see snow, without much accumulation.

Only minor winter weather impacts are expected for anyone who does get snow, as there isn't enough cold air forcing into the storm to produce significant snow. Any snow that falls on pavement may melt.

The storm will move out Saturday and Sunday and leave dry conditions to start the new week.

The coastal storm combined with a full moon could lead to minor coastal flooding during high tide Friday and Saturday. Major coastal flooding is not expected.

One reason for some higher-elevation snow with this storm is the weak cold air diving down the East Coast Friday through Sunday.

It is due to a strong ridge over the Rocky Mountains, forcing temperatures well above average for this time of year.

As the cold air rushes south across the East Coast, even Florida will feel the chill.

Next week, much of the country will be back to above-average temperatures, with the West seeing normal conditions or slightly below.