NEW YORK CITY — A dangerous blast of Arctic air will grip the region this weekend as the National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning and Wind Advisory for much of the New York City metro area. The coldest conditions are expected from Saturday through early Sunday, with life-threatening wind chills and strong northwest winds impacting travel and outdoor safety.
Wind gusts of 40 to 50 miles per hour are forecast across the city and surrounding suburbs, especially along exposed corridors such as Interstate 95, Interstate 278, Interstate 495, and the FDR Drive. These winds will drive wind chill values well below zero, with -15° to -20° near the coast and -20° to -25° inland, including parts of northern New Jersey, the Lower Hudson Valley, and interior Connecticut.
Saturday night into early Sunday morning will be the most dangerous period. According to the NWS, frostbite can occur in as little as 15 to 30 minutes on exposed skin. Hypothermia is also a serious risk if proper precautions are not taken. Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, dress in multiple warm layers, and cover exposed skin including hands, face, and ears.
Strong winds may also cause downed tree limbs, isolated power outages, and difficult travel conditions, particularly for high-profile vehicles on bridges and elevated roadways. Loose outdoor objects should be secured ahead of time.
Officials stress the importance of checking on vulnerable populations, including the elderly, unhoused individuals, and pets. Pets should be brought indoors, and outdoor plumbing should be protected from freezing.
While temperatures will slowly moderate later Sunday into next week, the immediate focus remains on staying safe during this short-lived but dangerous Arctic outbreak. Stay tuned to official National Weather Service updates and avoid unnecessary travel during peak cold conditions.
