Albany, New York – Drivers across eastern New York should prepare for a potentially slippery start to Thursday as rain transitions to snow late Wednesday night, bringing the risk of accumulating snow and icy road conditions during the morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Albany, a cold front is expected to move through the region Wednesday night into early Thursday morning. Initial rain showers will change over to snow as colder air filters into the Northeast. Forecast guidance suggests snowfall totals generally ranging from a dusting up to around 2.5 inches in parts of eastern New York, with the highest potential north and west of Albany.
In the Capital Region, including Albany, Troy, Schenectady, and surrounding suburbs, the probability of seeing at least one inch of snow remains modest but notable. Latest projections indicate roughly a 15 to 20 percent chance of one inch or more in Albany, with higher probabilities across the Mohawk Valley and areas toward the Adirondacks. Even lighter snowfall amounts could still cause travel issues if roads cool quickly.
Temperatures Wednesday evening are expected to remain above freezing, allowing rain to fall initially. As the cold front passes overnight, temperatures will drop into the upper 20s to lower 30s by early Thursday morning. That rapid temperature change may allow wet roads to freeze, increasing the risk for black ice on bridges, overpasses, and untreated surfaces.
The Thursday morning commute is expected to be the most impacted time, particularly between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m., when lingering snow showers and icy patches may persist. Road conditions could vary significantly over short distances, especially in higher elevations north and west of the city.
Motorists are urged to allow extra travel time, reduce speed, and stay alert for changing conditions. Pedestrians should also use caution on sidewalks and parking lots where snow may hide underlying ice.
Snow chances gradually diminish later Thursday morning as the system moves east. While this is not expected to be a major winter storm, even minor accumulations combined with falling temperatures could create hazardous conditions. Additional updates are expected as the system approaches, and residents are encouraged to monitor the latest advisories and forecasts.
