New York City, New York – A colder-than-normal weather pattern expected to take hold across New York between Tuesday and Saturday is raising concern for snow and potential travel disruptions statewide. The developing setup favors sustained cold, increasing the likelihood that any systems moving through during this period could bring accumulating snow rather than rain.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, much of New York carries a 60–70% probability of below-normal temperatures during the January 20–24 window. Precipitation probabilities trend above normal at 40–50%, a combination that supports snow as the primary precipitation type across large portions of the state, including downstate locations that often see mixed precipitation.
In New York City and the surrounding metro area, daytime temperatures are expected to remain suppressed, with overnight lows falling well below freezing. That environment increases the risk for accumulating snow and lingering icy conditions, particularly on untreated roads and elevated surfaces. Interior sections of the state, including the Mohawk Valley, Capital Region, and Central New York, face a higher confidence of all-snow events if storm tracks align favorably.
Major transportation corridors such as I-95, I-87, I-90, and I-80 could become slick during snow periods, especially overnight and during the morning commute. Cold pavement temperatures may allow snow and ice to persist between systems, compounding travel hazards. Prolonged cold may also strain home heating systems and drive up energy demand.
Residents are urged to prepare ahead of Jan 20–24 by checking heating equipment, insulating exposed pipes, and ensuring vehicles are stocked with winter emergency supplies. While significant snow is not guaranteed, the evolving pattern supports the potential for at least one impactful winter weather event.
This cold-driven setup is expected to persist through late week, and confidence may increase as individual systems come into clearer focus. Additional winter weather advisories or alerts could be issued as conditions warrant.
