NEW YORK CITY – A snowstorm is beginning to form across the United States and could bring a wintry mix to parts of the New York area by the end of the week.

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Temperatures this weekend are expected to drop into the 20s and 30s, even into the teens in some places. But before that, drivers should expect a wintry mix on Friday. For those looking to get an early vacation start, rain and snow could cause traffic problems on the busy Interstate 95 corridor.

“We have a weaker system through Friday and that could give us a little bit of a rain-snow mix.” FOX 5 NYs said Mike Woods.

Northern cities, including Syracuse, could also see some snow as the weekend approaches.

According to the FOX Forecast CenterBy Friday, most areas in the lower Great Lakes, Appalachia and the New York-Pennsylvania border will see only light snowfall. Some flakes to a light layer of snow are expected along portions of the I-95 corridor.

The National Weather Service expects a chance of rain and snow showers Friday before 1 p.m. The chance of precipitation is 40%.

When does winter start?

Winter officially begins in the Northern Hemisphere on Saturday, December 21st, with the winter solstice – the day with the least amount of daylight and the longest night.

When is winter break?

Winter break for New York City Public School students begins Monday, December 23rd and runs through Wednesday, January 1st.

FOX 5 NYs Nick Gregory predicts the city could receive about $1.5 billion 20 inches Snow this winter, compared to the typical seasonal average of 28 inches.

“We will likely have above-average temperatures this winter, along with more snow than last year, somewhere close 18-23″ but that is below the average snowfall for a winter in New York,” Gregory said.

Meanwhile, the lower Hudson Valley could see a little more snowfall, with totals in between 20 and 25 inches, with more snowfall further north. Much of the winter can experience a mix of rain and snow along the coast, with heavier snow falling further north.

New York City winter weather