Hartford, CT – Connecticut is preparing for a variable and potentially hazardous stretch of winter weather from December 18–24, with NOAA’s temperature outlook showing near-normal to slightly above-normal readings across the state. Paired with an above-normal precipitation signal, this pattern favors snow, mixed precipitation, and possible freezing rain as travelers head into Christmas Eve.
According to NOAA, inland Connecticut—including Hartford, Waterbury, Torrington, and the northern tier—sits within a temperature zone that hovers close to freezing through much of the week. This increases the likelihood of snowfall early in storms, with transitions to sleet or freezing rain possible from December 19–21 as slightly warmer air moves in aloft.
Central and eastern parts of the state, including Middletown, Norwich, and Willimantic, may see periods of rain–snow mix, with the potential for icy conditions during overnight hours when surface temperatures dip back toward freezing.
Along the shoreline—from New Haven to Bridgeport to Stamford—temperatures lean slightly above normal at times, supporting more frequent rain, though colder air pushing southward by December 22–24 could change later precipitation to wet snow or a brief glaze of ice heading into Christmas Eve.
Travelers across major Connecticut routes—including I-84, I-91, Route 2, the Merritt Parkway, and I-95—should anticipate slick conditions, reduced visibility, and possible delays, especially during peak travel windows from December 21 through Christmas Eve.
