After a brief midweek warmup, much colder weather is set to return to western New York late Friday, bringing a renewed stretch of Arctic cold into the weekend and early next week.
According to the National Weather Service Buffalo, a cold front will cross the region late Friday, ending the milder conditions seen earlier in the week. Behind the front, an Arctic air mass will move in, causing temperatures to fall sharply by Friday night.
High temperatures this weekend are expected to drop into the teens, with overnight lows falling into the single digits, especially across inland and higher-elevation areas. These readings represent a return to well below normal temperatures for early February.
The combination of cold air and breezy conditions will result in dangerously cold wind chills, particularly from Friday night through Saturday night. Wind chills may fall below zero at times, increasing the risk of frostbite for anyone spending extended periods outdoors.
Travel along major corridors including Interstate 90, Interstate 190, Interstate 290, and Interstate 86 is expected to remain mostly dry, but the cold will increase the risk of black ice, especially during overnight and early-morning hours. Any lingering moisture on roadways could freeze quickly as temperatures drop.
Daytime temperatures are expected to remain cold through Sunday and into Monday, prolonging icy conditions on untreated roads, parking lots, and sidewalks. While widespread snow is not highlighted with this system, cold pavement temperatures alone can create hazardous travel conditions.
Motorists, commuters, and outdoor workers are encouraged to dress for extreme cold, limit time outside, and ensure vehicles are winter-ready. Extra caution is advised for early-morning drivers as the Arctic air settles firmly across western New York.
