New York — The cold bites immediately this morning as breath crystallizes in the air and pavement feels brittle underfoot. Even short trips outside feel punishing. Winter has tightened its grip across the Capital Region.
Albany woke up to temperatures near 8°F, with wind chills plunging to near -20°F early. Skies stay mostly sunny today, but the sunshine offers little relief. Highs struggle to reach 15°F, and calm winds early give way to a light northerly breeze that keeps the cold sharp.
Roads remain mostly dry, but drivers should stay alert. Any leftover moisture can refreeze quickly, especially on bridges and shaded streets. This is peak flash-freeze season, when melting during the day turns icy again after sunset.
Tonight turns even colder. Temperatures dip to around -1°F, with wind chills near -12°F. Limit time outdoors if possible. Dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and check on neighbors who may lack adequate heat.
Sunday brings a slight improvement, though it stays firmly wintery. Partly sunny skies return, and highs climb near 20°F. Winds increase at times, keeping wind chills uncomfortable. Sunday night drops back into the single digits.
Early next week remains cold but stable. Monday stays sunny with highs near 27°F, followed by partly cloudy skies and lows near 6°F. Tuesday and Wednesday hover in the upper 20s during the day, with lows near or just above zero.
Looking ahead, February begins quietly for eastern New York. NOAA outlooks suggest below-normal temperatures linger, while precipitation chances remain limited. No major snow systems are showing yet, but winter patterns can shift fast.
Plan errands for daylight hours, keep vehicles winter-ready, and allow extra stopping distance. Even without snow, cold alone creates hazards.
How cold did it feel where you are this morning? Share what you’re seeing around Albany.
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Albany, NY
- Today: Mostly sunny, bitter cold. High near 15°F
- Sunday: Partly sunny. High near 20°F
- Monday: Sunny. High near 27°F
- Tuesday: Partly sunny. High near 28°F
- Wednesday: Partly sunny. High near 27°F
