Maryland and Virginia Lag Behind as New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts Run Above Normal for Winter Snowfall
UNITED STATES — New snowfall accumulation data through early January shows a clear split across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, with many northern regions running above seasonal averages while Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas continue to lag far behind normal snowfall levels.
Maps tracking snowfall since late September indicate that large portions of the Northeast, including parts of New England and interior Mid-Atlantic regions, have already exceeded typical early-season totals, while areas closer to the nation’s capital remain noticeably snow-starved.
Snowfall Totals So Far Highlight a Regional Contrast
Accumulation analysis reveals that much of the Northeast has recorded moderate to healthy snowfall totals, especially farther north and inland. Several regions show totals well above what is typically seen by this point in the winter season, reinforcing the idea that winter has already made a solid impact there.
In contrast, the corridor around Washington, D.C. stands out sharply, showing very little snow so far. The data highlights this area as one of the most underperforming locations in the broader Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region.
Below-Normal Seasonal Snowfall Risk Increasing Near D.C.
Seasonal outlook maps included in the data point to a high probability of below-normal snowfall across the central Mid-Atlantic, particularly near Washington, D.C. This aligns with historical winter patterns often observed during La Niña-influenced seasons, where snow chances in the D.C. area tend to be significantly reduced.
While surrounding regions have seen more frequent snow events, the D.C. area remains stuck in a pattern that favors missed systems or rain instead of snow, keeping seasonal totals unusually low.
Why This Pattern Matters Moving Forward
The contrast between snow-rich northern zones and snow-poor Mid-Atlantic areas suggests that even as winter progresses, not all regions will experience the same outcomes. For Washington, D.C., the data implies that climbing out of the snowfall deficit will become increasingly difficult as the season advances.
Meanwhile, areas already above normal may continue to build snowpack if storm tracks remain favorable later in the winter.
What to Watch Next
As winter continues, forecasters will be closely monitoring whether storm paths shift enough to bring meaningful snow back into the Mid-Atlantic, or if the current imbalance holds through the heart of the season. For now, the data strongly supports a below-normal snowfall trajectory near Washington, D.C., contrasted by a healthier winter farther north.
What are you seeing where you live this winter? Have snowfall patterns matched expectations, or has your area been left waiting? Share your thoughts and stay connected with ChicagoMusicGuide.com for continued weather coverage and updates.