Albany, New York – A colder, storm-ready pattern is forming across New York as December begins, triggering a December Snow Alert while winter in Albany turns more active heading into mid-month. While it’s too early to determine exactly how many inches of snow could fall, one thing is certain: New York is favored to see an above-average amount as Arctic air and frequent disturbances line up through the month.
According to the Climate Prediction Center, below-normal temperatures stretch across upstate New York with near- to above-normal precipitation favored for the eastern Great Lakes and the North Country. According to the National Weather Service in Albany, this setup often supports multiple rounds of accumulating snow, with lake-effect bursts west of Syracuse and broader synoptic systems capable of impacting the Hudson Valley and Capital Region.
According to NYSDOT, early-season travel could become hazardous on I-87, I-90, the Thruway, and higher-elevation corridors such as the Adirondacks and Catskills. Quick-changing visibility, black ice, and heavier bands may slow both the morning and evening commute on untreated surfaces. Drivers should stock emergency kits, keep fuel levels high, and allow extra travel time during colder mornings.
Holiday events across the Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, and Southern Tier may see occasional disruptions when clippers or coastal storms track close enough to deepen snowfall. Residents should protect exposed pipes, secure outdoor decorations, and prepare for isolated power outages if wetter snow begins to load tree limbs.
Specific storm totals remain uncertain at this range, but long-range guidance continues to support a colder, more active stretch — boosting confidence that New York is headed for a snowy December and increasing the odds of a White Christmas for several regions.
