At a Glance

February may start with a round of snow in the eastern U.S.Accumulating snow is possible Thursday into Friday in parts of the Northeast, mid-Atlantic and Appalachians.

Another snowmaker could affectthe eastern United States for the start of Februaryright on the heels of ,which is ongoing early this week.

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A pattern change will be in full swing toward the end of thisweek. Another southward dip in the jet stream is expected to dig southward east of the Mississippi River beginning Thursday.

As the jet stream drops southward out of central Canada, it will usher in a new blast of cold air as far south as Florida.

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At the surface, a wave of low pressure may developahead of the digging jet stream, then move northeastward through the eastern states. This system could have enoughmoisture and cold air to work with to produce accumulating snow in parts of the Ohio Valley, Appalachians and Northeast.

The combination of a jet stream dip and an area of low pressure rippling along a cold front could yield snow in the eastern U.S. late this week.

Exact details on where the rain/snow line will set up and how much precipitation will occur will be determined as this system gets closer. For now, this doesnotappear to be a major Groundhog snowstormbut could lead to some slick roads Thursday and Friday in the affected areas.

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Thursday

Snow is possible from northern New England and upstate New York to the eastern Great Lakes. Rain may change over tosnow from the Ohio Valley to the Appalachians, as far south as the Smoky Mountains.

Thursday Night's Forecast

(Areas shown in darkest teal have the best chance of snow. Areas in pink may see either rain or snow. Areas shown in darkest green have the best chance of rain.)

Friday

Snow may quickly sweep off the East Coast from Maine to the Delmarva Peninsula. Some lake-effect snow showers may linger east and southeast of lakes Erie and Ontario.

Friday's Forecast

(Areas shown in darkest teal have the best chance of snow. Areas in pink may see either rain or snow. Areas shown in darkest green have the best chance of rain.)

It's too early to determine how much snow to expect from this Thursday-Friday system, but right now, accumulations appear to be light to locally moderate.

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Keep in mind, this is subject to change as the potential event draws nearer, so check back with weather.com for updates in the days ahead.