New York — Rain taps steadily on pavement this afternoon, but colder air is already pushing in from the west. By tonight, Syracuse shifts from wet to wintry as rain changes to snow, setting the stage for slippery roads and difficult travel.
Precipitation begins as rain through the afternoon, with temperatures holding in the upper 30s to lower 40s. Conditions change quickly this evening as colder air deepens. Rain transitions to snow between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., becoming steadier overnight. The heaviest snow is expected between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.
Snowfall totals around Syracuse are projected in the 3 to 4 inch range, with locally higher amounts north and west of the city. Areas farther north could see 4 to 6 inches by Thursday morning. Snowfall rates may briefly reach up to 1 inch per hour, reducing visibility during heavier bursts.
Temperatures fall into the mid-teens to lower 20s overnight, increasing the risk that standing water freezes quickly. Wet roads may turn icy with little warning, especially on bridges, ramps, and untreated surfaces. The Thursday morning commute could be impacted by slick roads and lingering snowfall.
Snow gradually tapers Thursday afternoon, but lake-effect snow showers may persist into Friday for parts of central New York. Even as snowfall lightens, cold conditions remain locked in place.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 7 p.m. tonight through 1 p.m. Thursday for much of the region, including the Syracuse area. Drivers should plan extra time, slow down, and be prepared for changing road conditions overnight.
Looking ahead, cold air holds firm into the end of the week. Daytime highs remain in the teens and 20s, keeping any snow cover in place.
