Binghamton, NY — After a calm and mostly sunny Wednesday, forecasters say Central New York and Northeast Pennsylvania will see a sharp change in conditions as an arctic cold front sweeps through the region on Thursday, bringing the threat of snow squalls and bitter cold.
According to the National Weather Service in Binghamton, skies will be partly to mostly sunny today, with highs in the 30s under a ridge of high pressure. Conditions will stay quiet through tonight before the front arrives Thursday morning.
Once the front moves in, forecasters warn that snow showers and snow squalls could develop across much of Central NY and NE PA. These fast-moving squalls can bring brief whiteout conditions, gusty winds, and sudden drops in visibility, making travel hazardous. Drivers are urged to delay travel if a Snow Squall Warning is issued and to slow down, turn on headlights, and pull over safely if caught in rapidly changing conditions.
The highest chance for snow squalls appears to be from around Route 20 northward through Central New York and along the New York–Pennsylvania border, where a few inches of snow may accumulate.
Behind the front, bitterly cold air will pour into the region Thursday night. Temperatures will plunge into the single digits, with wind chills near or below zero expected by early Friday morning.
The NWS advises residents to prepare for the sudden shift, dress in layers, and limit time outdoors late Thursday into Friday.
