New York, NY – A gray chill grips the city this week as December’s first real taste of winter pushes across the Northeast. By Thursday morning, rain is expected to turn slushy as temperatures slide toward freezing — signaling an early-season pattern shift that could affect commuters and travelers through the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service, New York will see highs near 43°F Wednesday before falling into the mid-30s overnight. A rain-to-snow transition is possible Thursday morning as colder air filters in behind the front. Winds from the southwest could gust up to 17 mph, adding a brisk edge to already damp conditions.
Travelers should plan for slippery roads and reduced visibility on bridges and highways, particularly along I-95 and the Hudson River crossings. Forecasters advise allowing extra time for the morning commute and watching for “flash freezing” on untreated surfaces as temperatures dip near 32°F.
By Friday, the city turns mostly sunny but remains chilly with highs in the upper 30s — part of a broader cold blast expected to deepen across the Great Lakes and Mid-Atlantic by the weekend. Early long-range models hint at another snow chance early next week as arctic air spills into the region.
5-Day Outlook (Dec. 9–13)
- Wednesday: High 43°F, rain changing to mix; breezy.
- Thursday: High 38°F, turning colder; slushy mix possible.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, snow possible high 37°F.
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, 30% snow chance; high 34°F.
- Sunday: Partly sunny, highs near 32°F; winter chill holds.
