Chilly NYC Weekend: Winter Weather Hits as Snowstorm Approaches Upstate

Thanksgiving has passed, and winter is settling in New York. The sun shone on Saturday, but the air remained cold and raw. This weekend marks the first time this season that temperatures fell below freezing overnight. Morning temperatures climbed slightly, and the expected high for Saturday is only around 40 degrees. This is the coldest weekend in New York City and much of the surrounding area since early March, with temperatures expected to be 10 degrees below average.

As the day goes on, clouds will roll in, and flurries could fall in the city. Upstate, residents are preparing for heavy snow along with the frigid temperatures. Several counties are under lake-effect snow warnings, which began early Friday and will last until Monday morning.

The forecast predicts up to 6 feet of snow for areas near Watertown and heavy snowfall due to lake-effect conditions. These occur when cold air moves over the warmer waters of the Great Lakes. The warmer air picks up moisture and creates heavy snow bands.

Lake Erie’s temperature is around 50 degrees, which is 6 degrees above normal. This elevation contributes to the intense snowfall predicted. The New York State Governor has declared a disaster emergency in affected counties, and travel is expected to be very difficult or impossible.

For New Yorkers and those in the surrounding areas, this winter weather calls for caution and preparation as heavy snowfall and icy conditions approach.