Buffalo, New York – A prolonged stretch of extreme cold ended Monday across western and north-central New York, ranking among the coldest multi-day runs on record, according to the National Weather Service.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, all three official climate sites — Buffalo, Rochester, and Watertown — recorded consecutive days where high temperatures failed to reach 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The streak officially ended Monday, when temperatures finally climbed above the 20-degree mark.
In Buffalo, the cold run lasted nine consecutive days, finishing tied for fifth all-time since records began in 1873. In Rochester, the streak reached ten consecutive days, tying for second all-time in records dating back to 1872. Watertown also recorded ten consecutive days, ranking fourth all-time since 1949.
The National Weather Service noted that while colder streaks have occurred historically — particularly during the early 1960s — this event stands out for its persistence across all three major climate sites simultaneously. The data reflects maximum daily temperatures only, not overnight lows.
The extended cold affected daily routines and infrastructure across the region, including travel along major corridors such as I-90 near Buffalo, I-390 near Rochester, and I-81 near Watertown, where prolonged sub-20-degree daytime temperatures contributed to ongoing ice, snowpack durability, and increased heating demand.
Meteorologists emphasized that the streak’s end does not immediately signal springlike conditions, but it does mark a measurable shift away from the most extreme cold. Gradual moderation in temperatures is expected following the event.
This milestone may be especially notable for commuters, students, and outdoor workers, many of whom experienced multiple days of hazardous wind chills and limited daytime thawing.
Residents are encouraged to remain weather-aware, as winter conditions remain common despite the break in the historic cold run.
