New York – Breath hangs in the air across the Capital Region as bitter cold tightens its grip early, with Albany waking up near 12 degrees. Gray skies signal trouble ahead, and snow begins to move in as the morning wears on.
According to the National Weather Service, snow becomes likely by early afternoon, with the steadiest bursts expected between midday and late day. Accumulations stay light, but even less than an inch will quickly coat untreated roads. South winds increase later, adding moisture and setting the stage for a messy transition tonight.
Snow mixes with freezing rain this evening, especially across Albany, Rensselaer County, and nearby valleys. A thin glaze of ice may form before midnight, creating slick travel on I-90, I-787, and secondary roads. Temperatures hover in the mid-20s, allowing ice to linger. Drivers should plan extra time and expect reduced traction.
Wednesday brings a brief lull, then scattered snow showers as winds ramp up. Gusts push past 30 mph at times, blowing loose snow and lowering visibility. Highs struggle into the mid-30s, offering little melting relief. Wednesday night turns sharply colder again, with lows near 20.
Thursday stays dry but cold. Sunshine helps morale, not temperatures, as highs remain near 30. Another hard freeze Thursday night drops readings into the low teens, raising flash-freeze concerns where snowmelt refreezes.
Friday and Saturday show modest improvement. Skies stay partly sunny, and highs slowly climb into the low to mid-30s. It’s still winter, but the trend bends upward. Looking farther ahead, NOAA’s 6–10 day outlook leans warmer than normal, hinting at a late-February thaw for upstate New York.
Limit non-essential travel during icy periods, watch for black ice after dark, and bundle up. How slick are roads in your area right now?
Five-Day Outlook – Albany, New York
• Today: Snow likely, high near 29
• Wednesday: Scattered snow showers, windy, high near 34
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, colder, high near 31
• Friday: Partly sunny, high near 31
• Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 34
