Buffalo, New York – New York wakes up locked in ice as a biting Arctic air mass tightens its grip across Western New York early this morning. Breath turns sharp on contact, light flakes drift through fog, and exposed skin stings within minutes as wind chills plunge well below zero.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. Wind chills have dropped as low as 20 degrees below zero across Niagara, Erie, Monroe, and Genesee counties, with frostbite possible on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Winds out of the north continue to funnel colder air off a nearly frozen Lake Erie.
Road conditions remain a concern despite limited snowfall. Light snow and mist have left damp pavement, and rapid refreezing is already creating slick spots on bridges, ramps, and untreated side streets. Local police and highway crews urge drivers to slow down and allow extra braking distance during the morning commute, especially along the I-190 and Route 33 corridors.
Temperatures begin a slow recovery later today, though wind chills remain harsh into the afternoon. Sunday night stays cold, with lows near five below zero, before a noticeable moderation arrives Monday. Highs rebound into the upper teens and low 20s, then climb steadily toward the 30s by Tuesday, bringing renewed chances for light snow showers and daytime melting followed by nighttime flash freezing.
Looking ahead, meteorologists are tracking a broader warming trend into midweek and beyond. While February snow chances linger, above-normal temperatures late next week hint at an early thaw, even as the Great Lakes remain heavily ice-covered.
Traveling this morning? Bundle up, limit time outdoors, and tell us what conditions look like where you are.
Five-Day Weather Snapshot for Buffalo, NY
Sunday: Light snow showers, high near 8°F
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, low near -5°F
Monday: Partly sunny, high near 20°F
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, low near 11°F
Tuesday: Chance of snow showers, high near 37°F
