New York — The cold bites instantly this morning. Breath crystallizes in the air, engines strain to turn over, and even brief exposure feels punishing across the Capital Region.
An Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect for Albany and surrounding counties through early afternoon. Temperatures hovered near 5 degrees below zero before sunrise, while northwest winds drove wind chills down to 20–25 degrees below zero. At those levels, frostbite can develop on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
Travel remains possible, but conditions are unforgiving. Drivers along I-90, I-787, and Route 7 should allow extra warm-up time and carry winter emergency gear. The cold reduces battery life, stiffens fluids, and stresses older vehicles. For pedestrians, face coverings and layered protection are essential this morning.
Skies stay mostly sunny today, though the sunshine offers little relief. Highs struggle to reach the low teens, and the wind keeps it feeling far colder through midday. By afternoon, winds slowly ease, allowing the warning to expire, but cold conditions persist into tonight. Lows dip back below zero, setting the stage for another frigid start Monday.
A slow but steady moderation begins next. Monday brings sunshine and highs near the low 20s. By Tuesday, clouds increase and a weak system may bring snow showers, especially later in the day, with temperatures climbing toward 30 degrees. That rise could create slick spots where melting refreezes after sunset.
Midweek continues the rebound. Wednesday stays mostly cloudy with highs in the mid-30s. The broader pattern favors a noticeable thaw later in the week, as Arctic air retreats and milder Pacific air advances east.
Looking toward the 6–10 day outlook, above-normal temperatures are increasingly likely, hinting at a break from February’s harshest cold across eastern New York.
Five-Day Outlook for Albany, NY
Today: Extreme cold, mostly sunny, high near 11°F.
Monday: Sunny, still cold, high near 23°F.
Tuesday: Chance of snow showers, high near 30°F.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, milder, high near 35°F.
Thursday: Partly sunny, high near 31°F.
