New York greets the first Monday of 2026 with biting air and a gray sky pressing low over the Capital Region. Exhaust hangs in the cold as traffic crawls, and light flakes begin to spot windshields by mid-morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Albany, temperatures start near 15 degrees early, with wind chills even lower. Snow becomes more likely this afternoon, especially after mid-day. Accumulations remain light, around an inch, but timing matters for travel.
Roads may turn slick quickly, particularly on untreated surfaces. Drivers should watch bridges, ramps, and shaded stretches along I-87, I-90, and Route 7. Schools are back in session, adding to congestion during the afternoon commute.
Tonight brings another shift. Snow tapers, and temperatures hover near the low 20s. Any moisture left behind may refreeze, raising the risk of black ice by early Tuesday.
Tuesday signals a change. Milder air moves in, pushing highs into the mid-30s. A brief rain-and-snow mix develops during the afternoon before turning to rain. While snow accumulation stays minimal, wet roads and slush may slow travel again.
Rain becomes more widespread Tuesday night as temperatures stay above freezing. By Wednesday, highs reach near 40 with only a slight chance of lingering rain. Streets dry out, and conditions improve through the day.
Thursday stays quiet and seasonable, with partial sunshine and highs in the low 40s. Clouds return Thursday night. By Friday, rain chances increase again, and temperatures climb into the upper 40s, continuing the January thaw trend.
Meteorologists stress that quick warmups after snow increase flash-freezing risks once temperatures drop again. Stay alert during morning and evening travel.
Seeing slick spots or snow where you live? Share what conditions look like near you.
Five Day Weather Outlook for Albany, New York
Monday: Snow likely later, cold, high near 28°
Tuesday: Rain/snow mix, then rain, high near 36°
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, milder, high near 40°
Thursday: Partly sunny, quiet, high near 42°
Friday: Rain likely, milder, high near 47°
