As the region enters the heart of its winter weather season, some storm systems will be moving through the area to start the week.
While it’s impossible to predict exactly how much snow will fall during a storm, here’s what local meteorologists are expecting:
A sprinkling of snow at the historic Bolton Mansion in Levittown on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024.
How much snow can Bucks County expect Monday?
That largely depends on where in Bucks County you are and how the storm settles over the region. But, those in Lower Bucks County can expect the greatest chance of accumulating snow Monday.
Parts of Bristol and Levittown could see 3 to 4 inches of snow, while parts north are in the 2 to 3 inch range, according to the National Weather Service advisory. Central and Upper Bucks County could see less with the chance of 1 to 2 inches.
However, the weather service cautions, “a small shift in the storm track could push higher totals either north of south.”
Areas south of Bucks County, including the Jersey Shore, could see more snow with totals of up to 8 inches. Some areas in Delaware and Maryland could see a foot of snow, but Bucks is not under the same threat,
When will snow start in Philadelphia and Bucks County?
“Snow peaks in intensity Monday morning, but lingers through the evening,” the weather service said about the timing of the storm.
Historically, January and February are the most active months for snow fall in the Philadelphia area with an average of 7.1 inches and 8.4 inches, respectively, according to the National Weather Service.
“The big story at least for the next week or so is going to be the cold,” said Michael Silva, a meteorologist with the NWS.
Temperatures in Philadelphia are forecast to be in the low-30s over the weekend and into next week, about 10 degrees below normal for this time of year, he said.
These colder temperatures could in turn limit how much snow the area gets, he said, because colder temperatures usually result in a large high pressure area that suppresses the storms to the south.
“The next couple of weeks look like its going to be a bit active but it depends on how far north these systems can get that would impact how much snow we get,” Silva said.
Some communities have declared an emergency
In anticipation of a significant snowfall, Warminster Township on Friday declared an official disaster emergency for the community from 12:01 a.m. Jan. 6 to 11:59 p.m. the same day.
During a snow related emergency in the community, specific ordinances go into effect including restricting parking within the township and ensuring residents who are clearing snow don’t push it into the roadways.
The township is asking residents to remove any vehicles prior to the start of the declaration window on Sunday night. Vehicles found to be in violation and hindering plowing operations will be towed, officials said.
Lacey Latch is the development reporter for the Bucks County Courier Times and The Intelligencer. She can be reached at LLatch@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: How much snow will fall in Bucks County this weekend? What to expect