New York – Cold air bites early, and light flakes drift across dark pavement as the day begins. Winter remains firmly in control across western New York, with snow chances building again as the week unfolds.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, a passing clipper system keeps snow showers in play today, followed by a stronger lake-effect setup southeast of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario from tonight through Thursday. Temperatures stay locked below freezing, keeping untreated roads slick, especially during bursts of snow.
Buffalo starts the day near 10 degrees, with highs struggling into the upper 30s before colder air returns. Snow chances increase late today and continue into Wednesday, with snow showers becoming more organized by Wednesday night. Areas south and east of the city, including along the Thruway and Route 219, face the highest risk for accumulating snow.
Winds increase Wednesday, gusting near 25 mph at times. Blowing snow may briefly reduce visibility, particularly during heavier lake-effect bands. Drivers should plan extra time for evening and early morning travel as conditions fluctuate quickly.
Thursday stays cold, with highs near 26. Snow showers linger, though coverage becomes more scattered. Fresh snow combined with daytime melting and refreezing raises the risk for flash freezing after sunset, a common mid-February hazard. Side streets and parking lots could turn icy fast.
Friday brings a short break. Clouds remain thick, but snow chances taper off. Highs stay near 29, keeping any snowpack intact ahead of the weekend. Saturday turns slightly milder, with partial sunshine and highs near freezing.
Looking ahead, NOAA’s 6–10 day outlook shows above-normal temperatures pushing east early next week. A broader thaw may develop, even as the Great Lakes remain heavily frozen, setting up sharp day-to-day changes.
Traveling later this week? What road conditions are you seeing where you live?
Five-Day Outlook for Buffalo
• Today: Chance of snow, high near 38
• Wednesday: Snow showers likely, high near 31
• Thursday: Spotty snow showers, high near 26
• Friday: Mostly cloudy, high near 29
• Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 32
