The winter weather of the Mid-Atlantic region of Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington D.C. can be quite variable between cold and mild. Because this region is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean in the East and the Appalachian Mountains in the West, it experiences a wide range of weather patterns.
Depending on the unique geographic features of a particular area of the Mid-Atlantic, winter temperatures can vary from below freezing to milder temperatures. The same goes for snow. Looking back on winter trends in this diverse region over the last 10 years can help you prepare for the winter weather to come.
Snowfall In The Mid-Atlantic
Since 2014, winters in the Mid-Atlantic, while still varied, have become milder than what is considered normal for most of the region. Washington D.C. has experienced a decline in average snowfall over the last 10 years, while Maryland and Delaware have seen slight increases. Southern New York and Northern and Western Pennsylvania have also experienced annual increases in snowfall.
When snowy and icy conditions occur, it’s important to make sure parking lots, walkways, and other areas with heavy foot and vehicle traffic are cleared once winter weather hits. Reliable snow removal and ice management crews that mobilize and clear areas quickly are crucial for commercial properties in the Mid-Atlantic.
4 Strongest Snowstorms In The Mid-Atlantic
Snowstorms in the Mid-Atlantic, known as Nor’easters and other storms that originate in the Gulf region and move up through the Ohio River Valley can cause strong northeast winds and heavy snowfall. These storms can cause severe damage to property if you aren’t prepared. Here are some of the strongest storms that have hit the Mid-Atlantic recently:
- 2014 Winter Storm – A blizzard swept the Mid-Atlantic in mid-January 2014, leaving behind 6-15 inches of snow, depending on the state.
- Winter Storm Jonas – In January 2016, this blizzard dumped more than 3 feet of snow across some areas of the Mid-Atlantic
- December Nor’easter – In December 2020, the Mid-Atlantic experienced record-breaking snowfall during a Nor’easter that buried areas of New York in up to 40 inches of snow.
- Winter Storm Blair – The first coast-to-coast snowstorm in 2025 hit the Mid-Atlantic in early January, seeing 4 to 10 inches of snowfall depending on the state.
Winter storm preparedness allows crews to act fast once severe weather approaches. Figuring out which type of commercial snow and ice removal contract works best for you is a great first step to ensuring public safety during winter storms.
When Was the Mildest Mid-Atlantic Winter?
The 2022 – 2023 winter season saw significantly less snowfall and warmer-than-normal temperatures in the Mid-Atlantic area. Some areas of Maryland saw the least snowy winter on record. Most areas of the Mid-Atlantic experienced temperatures up to 6 degrees above the standard for winter, and the southern half of the region experienced 25 percent less snowfall.
Regardless of the severity of winter weather, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to snow and ice management. While there may be some winters where temperatures will be higher and snowfall is not as heavy, staying vigilant of unpredictable weather is always the best practice.
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