New York wakes under a dim, steel-gray sky as a crisp December bite sweeps across the Southern Tier. The air feels sharp enough to sting, and the pavement holds a thin chill that hints at changes coming fast. Drivers will want to stay alert today as lake-effect streamers begin reorganizing to the west.
Temperatures stay locked in the teens and 20s, so any snow that falls later will cling to untreated roads. Light winds help, but shaded stretches of I-81, Route 17, and local hillsides may still carry slick patches into the afternoon. Keep extra distance and allow more braking time, especially during school pickup hours.
Meteorologists are now tracking a developing December Winter Tease that builds Saturday morning. A weak disturbance pushes moisture back into colder air, creating a 40% chance of snow showers by midday, with a stronger pulse arriving Saturday night. Latest models show a 70% likelihood of more organized snow bands producing light but steady accumulation across higher terrain. This system stays modest, to be fair, but the timing—late shopping errands and holiday travel—could still slow traffic.
Sunday keeps the pattern active, with another 30–40% snow-shower chance and winds nudging visibility down at times. Flash-freezing is possible where melting from brief sun breaks refreezes late in the day, especially on sidewalks and parking lots. Plan extra time if traveling.
Five-Day Outlook:
Saturday: Cloudy with snow showers developing by late morning; high near 34.
Sunday: On-and-off snow showers; high near 23. Gusts around 20 mph.
Monday: Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow showers; high 25.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, cold, high near 29.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy; slight warming trend into the upper 30s.
