New York wakes under a hard, steel-gray sky as bitter air tightens its grip. Breath hangs in the air, and exposed skin stings within minutes. This is not routine winter cold.
An Extreme Cold Warning is in effect from early Saturday morning through early Sunday afternoon for Binghamton and surrounding areas, including nearby northeast Pennsylvania. Wind chills are expected to plunge between 25 and 30 degrees below zero, creating dangerous, life-threatening conditions.
Snow showers develop later today and continue into tonight. Blowing snow reduces visibility at times, especially along exposed roadways. Accumulations remain light, but drifting snow creates slick spots quickly. Travel conditions deteriorate fast after sunset as temperatures crash.
By early Saturday, the cold peaks. Actual temperatures dip below zero, while gusty northwest winds drive wind chills well into the −20s to −30s. Frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Limit time outdoors and layer aggressively if travel is unavoidable.
Road crews face flash-freezing concerns. Any melted snow refreezes rapidly, creating icy stretches on I-81, Route 17, and local secondary roads. Drivers should slow down and increase following distance. Pedestrians should expect icy sidewalks and reduced traction.
Sunday brings gradual improvement, but cold lingers. A few snow showers remain possible, with highs only near 11 degrees. Conditions finally begin to moderate early next week as winds ease and temperatures rebound into the 20s and 30s.
Meteorologists are tracking a broader pattern change. A warming trend develops midweek, with highs climbing above normal by late week. Rain may replace snow as February hints at an early thaw.
For now, this is a serious cold snap. Protect pets, check on neighbors, and prevent frozen pipes. How cold did it feel in your neighborhood this morning?
Five-Day Outlook – Binghamton, NY
- Saturday: Chance of snow, blowing snow. High 5°F
- Sunday: Slight snow chance early. High 11°F
- Monday: Mostly cloudy, cold. High 21°F
- Tuesday: Partly sunny. High 31°F
- Wednesday: Snow showers possible. High 34°F
