The Northeast is finally feeling the full force of winter, but snow lovers still have reason to grumble. While the region has been shivering through bitter cold, many cities are way behind on their usual snowfall totals. Could February turn things around? It’s looking possible.

Experts say all the elements for blockbuster winter storms historically come together this month. Many of those ingredients are already in place—it just takes the right storm to set things off.

February is typically the snowiest month for cities along the I-95 corridor, from Virginia to Maine. That’s because the Atlantic Ocean plays a key role. Sea surface temperatures along the coast start off warm in early winter, often turning storms into rain rather than snow. But by February, the water cools down, making it easier for storms to produce snow instead.

This year, the Atlantic coast is primed for snow. Recent cold snaps have chilled the ocean, and more frigid air is expected to arrive next week. That said, cold air and cool ocean temps aren’t enough on their own. A storm needs to follow the right track to really deliver.

Another wildcard? La Niña. This weather pattern typically affects winter conditions, but this year’s La Niña is weak, making its impact harder to predict. Normally, it would mean less snow for the mid-Atlantic and more for New England, but so far, the opposite has happened. Washington, D.C., got buried in January, while New England has been left waiting.

Recent winters haven’t been kind to snow lovers. Last winter was the warmest on record for the Northeast, and snowfall has been declining as the planet warms. New York City, for example, is already more than 3 feet behind its typical snow totals over the past two years. This season, the city has seen less than half its usual snowfall, and other I-95 cities like Philadelphia and Boston are also lagging.

While there are a couple of small snow chances this week, they’re not expected to be game-changers. But if all the pieces fall into place, February could finally give the Northeast the winter wonderland it’s been waiting for.