New York — Light snow drifts across western New York this morning, dusting cars and sidewalks as wind cuts sharply off Lake Erie. Visibility drops at times, and untreated roads already feel slick during the early commute.
Snow showers continue on and off today, with minor accumulations possible. According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, southwest winds increase through the day, producing areas of blowing snow and wind chills near zero. Highs struggle to reach the mid-20s, keeping road surfaces icy despite traffic.
Conditions briefly quiet midweek. Wednesday turns partly sunny, but the cold deepens. Highs hover near 20, and nighttime lows fall toward the single digits. Any melting during the day refreezes quickly after sunset, raising the risk of flash freezing on I-90, Route 33, and local side streets.
Attention shifts to Friday as an arctic cold front sweeps across the region. Snow becomes more widespread, with snow squalls possible during the day. Gusty winds may sharply reduce visibility, especially south of Buffalo and along the Lake Erie shoreline. Travel conditions could deteriorate rapidly during heavier bursts of snow.
Behind the front, much colder air pours in. Friday night into the weekend brings dangerously cold wind chills, potentially dropping well below zero. Lake effect snow is expected to persist south of Lake Ontario, adding additional light accumulations through Sunday. Even small totals can cause big problems when paired with strong winds and extreme cold.
Saturday remains gray and cold, with highs near the mid-teens. Sunday stays chilly, though snow coverage becomes more scattered. Crews may struggle to keep up as blowing snow re-covers treated roads.
Looking ahead, the broader 6–10 day outlook hints at moderation. A thaw may develop later next week as temperatures trend above normal, offering a break from this February cold snap.
For now, limit travel during snow squalls, dress for extreme cold, and keep emergency supplies in your vehicle. Driving later this week? Share what conditions you’re seeing across western New York.
Five-Day Outlook for Buffalo, NY
- Tuesday: Chance of snow showers. High near 25°F.
- Wednesday: Partly sunny and colder. High near 20°F.
- Thursday: Slight chance of snow. High near 22°F.
- Friday: Snow likely, windy. High near 30°F.
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy and very cold. High near 14°F.
