Albany, New York – A prolonged stretch of wet and potentially icy winter weather is expected to impact eastern New York beginning Thursday, raising concerns for hazardous travel as precipitation increases ahead of an advancing Arctic air mass.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, eastern New York is forecast to see above-normal precipitation through Monday, while temperatures hover near freezing before trending colder. This setup favors periods of rain, sleet, and freezing rain, particularly during overnight and early morning hours when surface temperatures dip.
The Capital Region, including Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga Springs, faces a heightened risk for freezing rain as cold air remains locked near the surface while warmer air moves overhead. Even light ice accumulation could create slick road conditions on untreated surfaces. Farther south, the Hudson Valley, including Poughkeepsie, Kingston, and Newburgh, is more likely to see cold rain during the day, with freezing rain possible late at night and early mornings.
Travel impacts are possible along major corridors such as Interstate 87, Interstate 90, Interstate 88, Route 9, and the Taconic State Parkway. Bridges, overpasses, and elevated roadways are especially vulnerable to icing, particularly during the morning commute.
This pattern is being driven by a broad cold front pushing across the eastern United States, allowing moisture-rich systems to move into the region while cold air lingers at the surface. As colder air deepens later in the period, icy conditions may persist longer between precipitation events.
Residents are urged to monitor local weather alerts, allow extra travel time, and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of freezing rain. This unsettled pattern is expected to continue into early next week, with additional advisories or warnings possible as confidence increases.
