lbany, New York – Bitter cold continues to grip eastern New York tonight as wind chills plunge into the single digits and below zero, raising concerns for frostbite during overnight and early morning hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Albany, wind chills tonight into Thursday morning will drop to near zero across the Capital Region, with subzero readings more common north and west of Albany. Areas including Glens Falls, Herkimer, Old Forge, and portions of the Adirondacks could see wind chills well below zero, while locations such as Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Pittsfield hover near zero to single digits.
The cold intensifies again late Friday into Saturday morning as another surge of Arctic air moves in. Forecast wind chills Friday night into Saturday morning could drop into the teens and 20s below zero across higher elevations and northern zones, with 5 to 15 below zero possible even in the Hudson Valley. A second round of dangerously low wind chills is expected Saturday night into early Sunday, particularly across the Adirondacks, Catskills, and southern Vermont.
The prolonged cold increases the risk of frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 20 to 30 minutes. Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, dress in multiple layers, cover exposed skin, and ensure pets and livestock have adequate shelter. Use caution with space heaters and alternate heat sources.
The National Weather Service advises monitoring updates as wind chill advisories or warnings may be issued heading into the weekend.
