Binghamton, N.Y. – A sharp fall chill will grip much of central and southern New York tonight as sub-freezing temperatures settle in across the region. The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued a Freeze Warning for most counties, with temperatures expected to drop into the 20s and low 30s by early Friday. Sensitive vegetation and unprotected outdoor plumbing could be damaged or killed.
According to the National Weather Service, the coldest period will occur between 11 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. Friday, with clear skies and calm winds allowing temperatures to plummet. Lows are forecast to fall below freezing across the Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, and Catskills. Slightly milder conditions near the Finger Lakes have prompted a Frost Advisory instead, including Yates, Seneca, and southern Cayuga counties.
Motorists traveling overnight on I-81, I-88, and I-86 should watch for frost on bridges and shaded roadways early Friday. Residents are urged to cover outdoor plants, disconnect garden hoses, and ensure pets and livestock have shelter. This will likely be the first widespread hard freeze of the fall season, signaling an end to the growing season for most of central New York.
Warmer afternoons return briefly this weekend, but nights will remain seasonably cold, with additional frost possible through early next week.
