Watertown, New York – Dangerously cold arctic air is poised to sweep into northern New York late this week, setting up a prolonged stretch of sub-zero temperatures and life-threatening wind chills across the North Country.
According to the National Weather Service, the cold will intensify Friday night as arctic air presses south, with the harshest conditions expected through the weekend and lingering into early next week. Wind chills could plunge to minus 35 to minus 40 degrees across Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Franklin, and Lewis counties, especially during overnight and early morning hours.
Daytime highs are expected to struggle to rise above zero across much of northern New York. Watertown, Massena, Potsdam, and Malone may see actual temperatures well below zero, with winds driving frostbite risks in as little as 10 minutes. Even areas farther south, including the Adirondacks and parts of the Mohawk Valley, could experience wind chills in the minus 20s.
NYSDOT officials urge drivers to limit non-essential travel during the coldest periods, carry winter survival kits, and keep fuel tanks full. Residents are advised to protect exposed pipes, check heating systems, bring pets indoors, and check on elderly neighbors and those without reliable heat.
The extreme cold is expected to persist into early next week, and additional cold weather advisories or warnings are likely. Officials urge residents to monitor local alerts as dangerous conditions continue across northern New York.
