New York — A faint glaze of frost clings to rooftops across the Capital Region at daybreak, and a cool northwest breeze brushes through early commuters along I-90. The air feels crisp, and the pavement carries a quiet November chill that hints at bigger changes as we push toward the weekend.

Residents should plan for slick patches in shaded areas this morning and stay aware of shifting conditions later Saturday. According to the National Weather Service Albany office, a broad disturbance approaches from the west and brings widespread rain after midday Saturday. Winds strengthen into the evening, and gusts could exceed 20 mph near Rensselaer and the riverfront. Travelers may face reduced visibility and wet, slow-moving traffic late Saturday, especially on the Thruway and the Altamont corridor. It’s wise to fuel up, keep wipers in good shape, and build in extra time for errands or early holiday preparation.

Models hint at a limited Winter Tease on Sunday. While major snow is unlikely, a brief rain-to-snow changeover is possible north and east of Albany as colder air filters in behind the departing system. Amounts look light, but even a quick mix could challenge bridges and higher terrain routes. To be fair, the growing season has ended across the region, and many areas already saw early flakes, but this setup reinforces that Thanksgiving travel season is approaching fast.

Next week turns cooler and calmer with partly sunny days and chilly nights, setting the stage for a larger pattern shift before the holiday.

Five-Day Outlook for Albany / Rensselaer NY

Fri: 44/26 – Mostly sunny; brief shower chance early.
Sat: 46/37 – Rain develops; breezy.
Sun: 48/29 – Rain early; slight snow chance north.
Mon: 38/30 – Mostly cloudy; colder.
Tue: 43/27 – Partly sunny; seasonable.