Syracuse, New York – Wind chills as low as -30 degrees are expected across Central New York and Northeast Pennsylvania late Friday night through Sunday morning, prompting an Extreme Cold Watch for the entire region.
According to the National Weather Service in Binghamton, dangerously cold air combined with gusty winds will create life-threatening conditions, particularly overnight Saturday into early Sunday. The coldest wind chills are expected in open and higher-elevation areas, with widespread subzero values extending into major travel corridors.
Forecast data shows wind chills ranging from -15 to -25 degrees across valley locations near I-81 in Syracuse, Binghamton, and Scranton, with colder readings approaching -30 degrees in rural and elevated areas near I-88, I-86, and Route 17. Peak wind gusts of 20 to 30 mph will significantly increase heat loss on exposed skin.
The most dangerous period is expected from late Friday night through early Sunday morning, when overnight temperatures fall into the single digits and below zero. Under these conditions, frostbite can occur in as little as 10 to 20 minutes, and prolonged exposure increases the risk of hypothermia.
The National Weather Service advises residents to limit time outdoors, wear layered cold-weather clothing, and ensure pets and livestock are adequately protected. Travelers along Interstate 81, Interstate 88, and Interstate 86 should be prepared for rapidly worsening conditions if stranded or delayed.
This cold snap may have a significant impact on early-morning commuters, weekend travelers, students, and outdoor workers, particularly during overnight and pre-dawn hours.
Residents are urged to closely monitor forecast updates, as the Extreme Cold Watch may be upgraded to a warning as confidence increases.
