Albany, New York – Spring 2026 appears set to follow a familiar, up-and-down pattern across New York, with near normal precipitation and seasonal temperatures guiding the transition out of winter.
According to NOAA’s Seasonal Temperature and Precipitation Outlook released February 19, New York falls within an equal chances zone for both precipitation and temperature during March-April-May 2026. That means no strong tilt toward wetter, drier, warmer or colder conditions statewide, leaving room for typical spring variability.
In New York City and the lower Hudson Valley, March will likely bring chilly rain events with only limited snow potential outside of brief cold snaps. As April progresses, rainfall becomes more frequent, especially with coastal systems tracking along the Eastern Seaboard. River levels along the Hudson should follow seasonal snowmelt patterns without a clear signal for extreme flooding.
Across central New York, including Albany and Syracuse, early spring systems may still produce measurable wet snow, particularly during overnight hours when temperatures dip near freezing. Slushy travel could briefly impact stretches of I-90 and I-87 before daytime melting sets in.
Farther west in Rochester and areas downwind of Lake Ontario, late-season snow showers remain possible into early April when colder air crosses the relatively milder lake waters.
Overall, New York looks poised for a balanced spring. Residents should expect fluctuating temperatures, a mix of snow and rain early, and more consistent rainfall into May without a pronounced seasonal extreme.
