Newark, New Jersey – A developing February thaw is set to spread along the Atlantic Coast by Thursday morning, when temperatures climb above freezing across multiple coastal states, triggering snowmelt, wet roads, and shifting travel conditions from New York south through Virginia.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, a warm front lifting north late Wednesday night will push daytime highs above 32 degrees across New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. The milder pattern is expected to persist through much of the Feb. 13–19 period, with temperatures running above seasonal averages for several consecutive days.
Along the northern Atlantic Coast, including coastal New York and New Jersey, highs reaching the mid to upper 30s will accelerate melting of remaining snowpack. Slushy conditions and standing water may develop on secondary roads and coastal routes, particularly along I-95, the Garden State Parkway, and Route 1.
Farther south, including Delaware, Maryland, and coastal Virginia, temperatures climbing into the upper 30s and 40s increase the likelihood of rain rather than snow. Periods of rain or a rain-snow mix could impact travel along major corridors such as I-95, Route 13, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and Hampton Roads-area roadways. Ponding water and slick pavement are most likely during the morning and evening commute windows.
The warmer pattern is expected to hold into early next week. Additional advisories may be issued as precipitation timing becomes clearer and overnight refreeze risks develop in areas where temperatures dip back toward freezing after sunset.
