New York – Light snow drifts through foggy air across the Capital Region this New Year’s morning, softening streetlights and muting traffic sounds. Pavement looks wet but hides icy patches, especially where temperatures remain locked in the mid-20s.
According to the National Weather Service in Albany, light snow continues early with limited accumulation, generally under an inch. Visibility has dropped at times due to snow and mist, and cold pavement increases the risk of slick travel. Northwest winds add a biting edge, keeping wind chills in the teens.
In Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady counties, untreated roads, sidewalks, and parking lots may turn slippery through the morning. Bridges and ramps along I-90, I-87, and Route 7 cool fastest and deserve extra caution. Slow down, increase following distance, and expect uneven traction during early errands or holiday travel.
Conditions improve later today as clouds thin and snow tapers. Even so, temperatures struggle to reach the low 20s, allowing little melting. As daylight fades, refreezing becomes a concern, setting up black ice into the evening hours.
Friday offers a brief break. Skies turn partly sunny, and highs rise into the mid-20s. To be fair, it stays cold enough for any leftover moisture to remain frozen. Another chance of light snow arrives late Friday into Saturday, keeping winter firmly in control as the first weekend of 2026 unfolds.
Looking ahead, Sunday brings partial sunshine before another cold night. Meteorologists continue tracking additional snow chances early next week as temperatures slowly trend upward. Winter travel conditions may change quickly, even with light precipitation.
Plan extra time today, wear sturdy footwear, and keep winter gear handy as the new year begins under classic upstate cold.
Five Day Outlook for Albany, NY
• New Year’s Day: Light snow early, mostly sunny later, high near 21
• Friday: Partly sunny, high near 25
• Saturday: Mostly cloudy, slight snow chance, high near 27
• Sunday: Partly sunny, high near 27
• Monday: Partly sunny, colder, high near 22
