New York — Cold air pours off Lake Erie this morning, rattling windows and pushing flurries across city streets. Sidewalks crunch underfoot. Exhaust hangs low near intersections. Winter remains locked in across western New York, and conditions stay harsh through the end of the workweek.
Temperatures in Buffalo sit near 9 degrees early, with wind chills dipping well below zero at times. A few lake-effect snow showers drift through the area today, reducing visibility in bursts and lightly coating untreated roads. Gusty southwest winds make the cold feel sharper than the thermometer suggests.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, hazardous weather is limited for now, but wind chills could drop to 15 below zero or colder late Thursday night into Friday morning. That level of cold increases frostbite risk on exposed skin within minutes.
Snow showers continue on and off through Thursday, driven by cold air moving over the Great Lakes. Accumulations stay light, but repeated bursts can create slick spots, especially on bridges, ramps, and along the I-90 corridor. Drivers should expect changing road conditions, particularly during the morning and evening commute.
Friday turns colder and drier, with highs struggling to reach the single digits. Winds ease slightly, but the cold remains intense. By Saturday, clouds linger and temperatures recover only modestly, staying well below seasonal averages.
Looking ahead, early February trends suggest a slow moderation next week. Precipitation chances ease after the weekend, but winter patterns remain active across western New York.
Plan ahead for extreme cold. Limit time outdoors, dress in layers, and keep vehicles winter-ready. Allow extra travel time when snow showers pass through, even if totals remain light.
Five-Day Outlook for Buffalo, New York
Today: Slight chance snow showers, high near 14
Tonight: Chance snow showers, low near 7
Thursday: Snow showers possible, high near 14
Friday: Cold and partly sunny, high near 9
Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high near 13
