After a long dry spell, Central Park in New York City finally saw its snowless streak of 701 days come to an end. On Tuesday, the park received a modest 1.7 inches of snow, marking the most significant snowfall it has seen in almost two years.

While the recent snowfall brought a touch of winter magic to the park, Friday's impending storm is not expected to bring much more snow. The latest projections anticipate another 1-3 inches, possibly more in the southern and western areas where the snow is expected to be more organized. Though the weather models are largely in agreement, there is still a day or two for them to refine their predictions.

The current snowfall patterns reflect a shortfall in what is typically expected for mid-January. Central Park, along with a few other areas, is running below the average snowfall totals. The deficit ranges from -5.6 inches in Bridgeport, Connecticut to as much as -7.9 inches in Newark, New Jersey. As of Wednesday, Central Park's snow deficit stands at -7.5 inches.

Looking ahead to next week, snow enthusiasts may be disappointed to learn that there are no significant snowstorms on the horizon. Instead, temperatures are expected to rise, leading to a thaw in the coming days.

While some may celebrate the end of Central Park's snowless streak, others may miss the charm and tranquility associated with a winter wonderland. Nonetheless, the city continues to experience unusual snowfall patterns that deviate from the norm for this time of year. The hope remains that more snow will grace the park and the surrounding areas in the weeks to come, much to the delight of snow lovers across New York City.