Albany, NY — After several days of blustery conditions, winds across Albany and the Capital Region are finally easing Saturday, but another round of wintry weather is expected to arrive as the busy weekend before Christmas continues.
According to the National Weather Service in Albany, Saturday, December 20, will bring lighter winds and quieter conditions, offering a brief break before a weak clipper system moves into the region on Sunday into Sunday evening. While winds with this system are expected to be breezy, forecasters say they will be weaker than Friday’s gusts.
As the clipper passes north of the area, snow showers and lake-effect snow are expected to develop, particularly for locations near and west of the Capital District. Forecast guidance shows light snowfall accumulations, with up to 1 to 2 inches possible in parts of central New York, including areas near Utica, Old Forge, and Oswego.
For Albany itself, snowfall amounts are expected to remain lighter, with a dusting up to one-half inch possible, mainly during Sunday afternoon and evening. Snow showers may linger into Monday, December 22, before gradually tapering off.
Travelers heading west or north for holiday plans should be prepared for localized slick roads and reduced visibility, especially in lake-effect snow bands that can intensify quickly. Conditions may vary significantly over short distances, a hallmark of lake-effect events.
Temperatures will remain seasonable for late December, allowing snow to accumulate on untreated surfaces. Drivers are urged to allow extra travel time and monitor road conditions, particularly during evening hours.
Forecasters note that while this system is not expected to be high-impact, it could still cause minor travel disruptions during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
