Multiple Weather Threats Stack Up For Upstate New York Through The Weekend

A winter storm watch covers most of central New York and northeast Pennsylvania from late Saturday night through Monday evening. If you’re thinking about weekend plans, pay attention: the latest models point to a real possibility of heavy, widespread snow. That means driving could get dicey in a hurry from Sunday into Monday.

Right now, it looks like the worst of the snow could fall just south of us, but storm tracks have a mind of their own, so it’s smart to keep an eye on the latest updates.

Arctic Air Brings Dangerous Cold

Along with the snow threat, a surge of frigid air will arrive Friday, sending overnight temperatures well below zero and pushing wind chills into the dangerous -10 to -20 range. Residents are urged to monitor updates, prepare for difficult conditions, and check on neighbors who may need assistance during this period of extreme winter weather.

READ MORE: Reflecting on New York’s Historic Snowstorm of March 1993

Windy Thursday Kicks Off Cold Stretch

We’ll start out with a blend of bright spots and clouds today, and temperatures will hover around the upper 20s to low 30s. There could be a few quick bursts of snow earlier in the day, mainly before most of us are deep into our daily routines. The bigger thing you’ll notice is the wind. It’s going to be blustery, and that’s going to stick with us for a few days, making everything feel colder than what the thermometer says.

Friday: Temperatures Drop, Wind Intensifies

By Friday, a blast of seriously cold air pushes in, and temperatures will drop fast as the day goes on. You might wake up to numbers that already seem cold, then watch them fall even more by lunchtime. On top of that, the breeze is strong enough to make it feel downright painful outside. There could also be some quick-hitting snow along the leading edge of that cold push, which can be tricky if you’re out driving. By Friday night, most of us will be dipping below zero.

Frozen Conditions Persist Saturday

Saturday doesn’t bring much relief. Temperatures struggle to climb at all, and the air will still have that biting edge to it. Even during the warmest part of the day, it’s going to feel harsh outside. This is when things like frozen pipes become a real concern, especially in older homes or apartments and in places that don’t get much heat circulation. If you’ve got cabinets under sinks on outside walls, it might be a good idea to crack them open to let in warmer air.

Major Snowstorm Possible Sunday

Then comes the part that could really shake things up. A large system is expected to roll through, bringing widespread snow that could pile up quickly. Right now, it’s looking like many areas could see several inches, with the possibility of totals getting much higher if the track lines up just right. This isn’t a quick dusting situation. This is the kind of snow that can slow travel, impact plans, and possibly spill into Monday morning.

Get our free mobile app

Next Week: Cold Continues, Light Snow Possible

Even after the snow moves out, we stay stuck in cold territory as we head into next week. Daytime readings remain low, and nights remain well below comfortable levels. There may be a few light snow chances here and there, but the bigger story is that winter is firmly in charge for a while longer.