New York City, New York — After a bitterly cold end to the workweek, the tri-state region is heading into a weekend marked by two separate snow chances and a growing concern about the coldest air of the season arriving early next week. While not everyone will see accumulating snow, timing, location, and temperature will play a key role in how this weekend unfolds.
Forecasters say the overall theme remains clear: winter is tightening its grip, and colder-than-normal conditions are expected to linger well beyond the weekend.
First System Brings Inland Snow Saturday
The first weather system arrives late Friday night into Saturday, spreading precipitation across the region as temperatures briefly rebound from Friday’s deep chill.
A Winter Weather Advisory takes effect early Saturday for parts of the Hudson Valley, northwest New Jersey, and northeastern Pennsylvania. Counties included in the advisory are Dutchess, Putnam, Orange, Sussex, Warren, Morris, northern Passaic, and Pike County, Pennsylvania.
In these inland areas, up to 4 inches of snow is possible.
Snow is expected to begin after midnight and continue through Saturday afternoon. Because temperatures in these locations are expected to remain close to freezing, precipitation will fall almost entirely as snow, allowing accumulations to build more efficiently.
Roads could become snow-covered and slippery during the morning and early afternoon hours, especially in higher elevations and untreated areas.
Coastal Areas See Limited Accumulation Saturday
Closer to the coast, including New York City, temperatures will be slightly warmer. That difference will significantly reduce snow totals.
Snow will likely mix with rain, especially during the daytime, limiting accumulation. Forecasts call for less than one inch in the city, with many neighborhoods seeing little to no snow stick.
Farther east, including eastern Long Island and the Jersey Shore, precipitation may fall mostly as rain, with little to no accumulation expected.
Read Also: New Jersey Braces for Bitter Cold as Weekend Brings Light Snow Chances
Where snow does fall on Saturday, it is likely to be wet and heavy, which can weigh down tree branches and create sloppy travel conditions even with relatively low totals.
Second Snow Chance Targets Coastal Areas Sunday
Areas that miss out on snow Saturday may get another opportunity Sunday.
A second system, tracking well offshore, could bring light snow to Long Island and coastal New Jersey Sunday afternoon into the evening. This system is expected to stay mostly east, but the western edge of the storm may clip the coast.
Forecast expectations include:
- Suffolk County and Ocean County: 1 to 3 inches
- Nassau and Monmouth Counties: Under 1 inch
- New York City: A dusting at best
Because this storm remains offshore, snowfall will be light and short-lived, but slick spots could still develop Sunday evening, particularly on bridges and overpasses.
Coldest Air of the Season Arrives Next Week
Once Sunday’s system exits, attention quickly turns to the intense Arctic air mass poised to settle over the region.
Early next week is shaping up to be the coldest stretch of winter so far.
By Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, temperatures in New York City are expected to bottom out in the mid to upper teens, with colder readings possible in outlying suburbs.
Daytime highs Tuesday may struggle to climb out of the 20s, even with sunshine. Wind chills will make conditions feel even colder, especially during the morning commute.
This cold snap is expected to persist, with temperatures remaining below normal for much of the upcoming week.
What to Watch and How to Prepare
While snowfall totals remain modest for most locations, the combination of wet snow, freezing temperatures, and Arctic air could still create challenges.
Residents should:
- Monitor local forecasts closely for changing snow totals
- Allow extra travel time during snow periods
- Be prepared for icy spots as temperatures drop at night
- Dress in layers and limit prolonged outdoor exposure next week
Even areas that avoid snow could feel the impact of dangerously cold mornings and rising heating demands.
Winter Pattern Looks Locked In
Meteorologists say the broader pattern supports continued cold outbreaks, with limited signs of a sustained warmup. While no major snowstorms are currently forecast, winter conditions are expected to remain active through the rest of January.
As the tri-state region navigates this shift into deeper winter, small systems and temperature swings will continue to make forecasting — and planning — a challenge.
Will your area see snow this weekend, or just the cold? How are you preparing for the frigid week ahead? Share your thoughts and local conditions in the comments.
