Albany, New York — A rare May cold snap will move into New York beginning Friday, May 8, bringing freezing overnight temperatures, gusty winds, and even light snow in some areas, creating travel and safety concerns across Albany, Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester, and New York City.
According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, temperatures will run 50–60% below normal through May 14, with the coldest stretch arriving late Friday night into early Saturday. The most significant window is from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. Saturday, when temperatures are expected to drop to or below freezing across much of upstate New York.
That cold will translate into immediate impacts. Frost is likely to form on elevated surfaces, including bridges along I-90 and I-87, creating slick spots for early morning drivers. In western and northern areas including Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse, brief snow flurries are possible, which could reduce visibility and leave light coatings on grassy surfaces and untreated roads.
Rain showers moving in Friday night will add to the hazard, leading to water pooling in low-lying areas such as underpasses in Albany and flood-prone streets in Buffalo. Gusty winds will build Saturday into Sunday, with speeds reaching 35 to 40 mph, strong enough to bring down small branches and cause isolated power outages.
Drivers should slow down on wet or slick roads and avoid water-covered streets. Residents should cover sensitive plants and secure loose outdoor items ahead of the wind.
The highest risk for combined freezing temperatures, flurries, and travel disruption peaks early Saturday between 1 a.m. and 8 a.m.
