Albany, NY – Winter’s grip is tightening across upstate New York as light snow and a sharp chill return to the Capital Region late this week. After a quiet start to December, forecasters now expect snow showers to move in Thursday, coating roads with up to 2 inches and sending temperatures plunging into the teens by Friday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Albany, snow showers will begin around midday Thursday as a cold front slides east. Winds will shift north, gusting near 20 mph by evening, making it feel closer to single digits. Even minor accumulation could create slick spots on bridges and untreated roads — particularly along I-90 and Route 7 during the evening commute.
Friday will be mostly sunny but frigid, with highs struggling to reach 24°F. Wind chills near zero are likely across higher terrain east of the Hudson. Officials remind drivers to allow extra braking distance and to clear vehicle roofs before traveling. Pedestrians should also watch for “flash freeze” patches where melting snow refreezes by dawn.
The cold pattern lingers into the weekend, though skies will gradually clear. Highs near 33°F return Saturday, followed by a partly sunny Sunday near 32°F. Early next week looks calmer — but models hint at another light snow chance by Tuesday.
Bundle up and plan for slower travel Thursday afternoon as the Capital Region eases back into true December weather.
See snow already? Drop a photo from your neighborhood below!
5-Day Outlook for Albany/Rensselaer, NY (Dec. 3–7):
- Thursday: Snow showers likely, 1–2″, high 35°F, low 4°F.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high 24°F, low 14°F.
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high 33°F, low 19°F.
- Sunday: Partly sunny, high 32°F, low 11°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high 25°F, low 8°F; possible light snow Tuesday.
