New York, NY – A raw December chill greets early risers across the city today, with brisk northwest winds sweeping through Manhattan and frosted rooftops hinting at what’s ahead. By midweek, umbrellas will be back in play as the first widespread rain in days rolls across the region — a prelude to a sharper winter punch by late week.
According to the National Weather Service, Wednesday’s system will bring a steady round of rain through the afternoon, with highs briefly reaching near 46°F before a strong cold front moves in overnight. The change will be fast — temperatures will fall back to the 30s by early Thursday, with wind chills dipping into the 20s by Friday morning.
Drivers should prepare for slick conditions during the Thursday night commute as lingering moisture could refreeze on bridges and side streets. Meteorologists warn that “flash freeze” patterns are common this time of year as daytime puddles solidify into thin, hard-to-see ice layers.
By Friday, skies will clear but the air will bite. Highs may struggle to hit 37°F, marking one of the coldest stretches of the young December season. Weekend temperatures will hover in the low 30s, with long-range models hinting at a possible snow chance late Saturday into Sunday as a weak clipper system tracks along the Great Lakes.
Residents are encouraged to bundle up, check heating systems, and plan for early-morning frost through the end of the week.
Five-Day Outlook (New York, NY):
- Tuesday: Increasing clouds, high 37°F.
- Wednesday: Rain likely, high 46°F.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 40°F.
- Friday: Clear and cold, morning low 29°F, high near 37°F.
- Saturday: Chance of snow, high 33°F.
