Weather
New York Winter Weather Awareness Week Begins Oct 25-31
Buffalo, NY – Winter weather preparations are taking center stage across New York beginning Sunday, Oct. 25, as the state launches a weeklong safety campaign focused on snowstorms, ice, dangerous cold
By Marcus Hale · 2026-10-25T08:49:53.434Z
Buffalo, NY – Winter weather preparations are taking center stage across New York beginning Sunday, Oct. 25, as the state launches a weeklong safety campaign focused on snowstorms, ice, dangerous cold and emergency readiness. The initiative arrives while Buffalo enjoys relatively mild autumn weather, with afternoon temperatures expected to reach the mid 60s before cooler conditions return Tuesday. Although no significant winter storm appears in the supplied local forecast, officials are encouraging residents to prepare before hazardous winter weather arrives.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, Winter Weather Awareness Week runs from Sunday, Oct. 25, through Saturday, Oct. 31, in partnership with the New York State Office of Emergency Management. The statewide campaign emphasizes winter travel safety, emergency supplies, home heating precautions and understanding official weather alerts. Each day highlights a different winter hazard, helping residents prepare for conditions that can rapidly disrupt transportation and essential services.
New York Launches Winter Weather Preparedness Campaign The awareness campaign begins Sunday with an introduction to winter safety before shifting toward specific hazards throughout the week. Monday focuses on heavy snow, Tuesday examines snow squalls, and Wednesday addresses ice storms. Thursday highlights flooding and ice jams, while Friday explains weather watches, warnings and advisories. Saturday concludes with a review of winter preparedness recommendations.
Officials emphasize that severe winter conditions can make travel dangerous, particularly when visibility deteriorates during heavy snowfall or sudden snow squalls. The Weather Service recommends postponing unnecessary trips during major winter storms and remaining on well traveled roads when driving is unavoidable. Motorists should also carry emergency supplies, including blankets, food, drinking water, a flashlight and winter equipment.
Buffalo Temperatures Fall Before Midweek Recovery While the statewide campaign begins, Buffalo's immediate weather pattern remains considerably milder than typical winter storm conditions. Sunday brings sunshine and a high near 64 degrees, followed by partly cloudy skies and temperatures around 50 degrees Sunday night. Monday should remain near 64 degrees before a cooler air mass brings nighttime temperatures down to approximately 37 degrees.
Tuesday marks the week's coolest afternoon, with temperatures reaching only 56 degrees under mostly sunny skies. By Tuesday night, temperatures could fall to approximately 36 degrees, creating a chilly start to Wednesday. The forecast does not indicate snow or freezing precipitation during this period, although residents may notice a substantial difference between Sunday's mild afternoon and the colder early week mornings.
Wednesday, Oct. 28, brings another temperature rebound, with partly sunny skies and a high near 64 degrees. Conditions should remain generally favorable for travel along Interstate 90, Interstate 190 and other major Buffalo area corridors, based on the supplied forecast. No specific weather related road closures or significant travel disruptions are indicated.
Emergency Supplies and Home Heating Safety The National Weather Service recommends keeping at least three days of nonperishable food and drinking water available for emergencies. Households should also inspect heating equipment, maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and prepare for possible power outages. Residents using fireplaces or wood stoves should ensure that chimneys and heating systems are properly maintained.
The campaign also encourages New Yorkers to register for emergency notifications through NY Alert and monitor official National Weather Service updates. Although the current Buffalo forecast does not suggest an approaching winter storm, preparation during quieter weather can reduce risks when severe conditions eventually develop.
Have you started preparing your home and vehicle for western New York's winter weather season?
Five Day Weather Outlook Sunday 10/25: Sunny skies dominate Buffalo with an afternoon high near 64 degrees and south winds around 6 mph; partly cloudy conditions develop Sunday night as temperatures fall to approximately 50 degrees.
Monday 10/26: Increasing clouds accompany another mild afternoon with temperatures near 64 degrees and west winds between 6 and 8 mph; mostly cloudy skies follow Monday night as temperatures fall to around 37 degrees.
Tuesday 10/27: Mostly sunny conditions return, although temperatures remain cooler with an afternoon high near 56 degrees and northeast winds between 5 and 7 mph; partly cloudy skies accompany a nighttime low near 36 degrees.
Wednesday 10/28: Partly sunny skies and light, variable winds accompany a temperature rebound to approximately 64 degrees; partly cloudy conditions continue Wednesday night with temperatures near 52 degrees and increasing southerly winds.
Thursday 10/29: Mostly sunny conditions are expected initially, with a high near 67 degrees before a 30% chance of showers develops after 2 p.m.; showers remain possible Thursday evening with temperatures falling to approximately 50 degrees.
Extended Weather Outlook Friday, Oct. 30, should bring partly sunny skies and an afternoon high near 65 degrees, followed by partly cloudy conditions and temperatures around 50 degrees Friday night.
Saturday, Oct. 31, is expected to remain partly sunny, with temperatures reaching approximately 67 degrees.
The supplied local forecast does not indicate accumulating snowfall or significant winter weather through Saturday. No separate six to 10 day regional outlook was provided.