Joseph Prezioso / AFP via Getty Images
- Cold weather is expected ahead of a potential nor'easter across the eastern US.
- The weekend's weather is more difficult to predict so many days out.
- Snow could pile up in northern New England, upstate New York, and the Appalachians.
A potential nor'easter later this week could bring the season's first snowfall, with rain, coastal flooding, and freezing temperatures possible from the Great Lakes to Florida's Gulf Coast.
Meteorologists at The Weather Channel predict daytime high temperatures from Chicago to Atlanta will fall 20 degrees between Wednesday and Friday.
Rain is also expected from Georgia to Michigan by Wednesday night, and the interior Northeast could see rain by Thursday night, which could mix with or become wet snow.
By the weekend, meteorologists say temperatures could fall into the 30s and spread as far south as the Florida Panhandle.
Usually occurring between September and April, a nor'easter is a type of storm that forms along the US East Coast and typically brings winds from the Northeast, per the National Weather Service.
The weekend is harder to predict
Meteorologists said the weekend is more difficult to predict so many days out.
Some forecasts indicate strong winds and coastal flooding along parts of the East Coast, as well as heavier rain near the coast and snow farther inland. Other forecasts suggest lighter precipitation and winds, but with some risk of coastal flooding.
The mountains of northern New England, upstate New York, and the Appalachians could see accumulating snow, marking the season's first snowfall in many areas.
The Weather Channel's forecast indicates that major cities along the East Coast, such as New York and Boston, are not expected to receive any snow, as temperatures will remain above freezing.
The last nor'easter occurred in September and brought heavy rainfall and strong winds, causing coastal flooding and power outages for tens of thousands of households.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.