New York City weather will turn frigid this week as a blast of Arctic air is set to bring below-zero wind chills across the region, according to the National Weather Service.
The New York City Emergency Management Department issued a travel advisory for Tuesday and Wednesday, warning that rain could transition to snow late on Tuesday, leading to a messy evening commute. On Wednesday, though precipitation is expected to taper off in the morning, forecasters can’t rule out a scattered snow shower that could drop two inches of snow, “with a worst case of three inches possible.”
New York City weather will also be windy on Wednesday, with gusts up to 45 miles per hour possible.
“A wintry mix of snow and rain could cause for messy commutes Tuesday and Wednesday. The combination of snow and the decrease in temperatures may produce spots of black ice. We advise New Yorkers to take mass transit where possible, exercise caution, and allow for extra travel time,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito in a statement. “Frigid temperatures will also return. Stay indoors as much as possible. If you have to go outdoors, limit your time and bundle up.”
The forecasted high for Wednesday is just under freezing, though wind chills will make it feel even colder, closer to 10 degrees. Wednesday night temperatures are expected to dip to a low of 6 degrees, though the wind chill could make it feel as cold as 15 below zero.
Though no precipitation is in the forecast for Thursday, that’s not the end of this bitter New York City weather. The expected high Thursday is just 16 degrees, but once again bone-chilling breezes will result in wind chills from -10 to -20 degrees in the morning, and near zero degrees midday.
“While winds will slowly decrease, wind chills will remain below zero for the majority of this period, only rising a degree or so above zero for a few hours Thursday afternoon,” forecasters wrote.
Record low temperatures are possible, according to the National Weather Service.
(National Weather Service)
“Freezing cold temperatures and winter weather are no joke,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot in a statement. “Extreme cold poses danger for all New Yorkers, but especially those at risk for hypothermia, like those who are homeless, those without heat at home, and those who drink heavily or use drugs and become incapacitated outdoors.”
“New Yorkers should stay inside as much as possible, but if you do go outside, please dress warmly, wearing layers,” she added. “If you are without heat at home, call 311. Stay alert for signs of hypothermia, like intense shivering or dizziness, and if you experience them, seek medical attention or call 911.”
New York City weather: Code Blue
City officials issue a Code Blue Weather Emergency when the temperature is forecast to drop below 32 degrees between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m. As New York City weather is set to feel especially frigid this week, officials are reminding New Yorkers that no one who is homeless and seeking shelter during a Code Blue will be denied. If you see someone who appears to be homeless and in need out in the cold, please call 311, officials say, and an outreach team will be dispatched.
NYC Weather beyond Arctic air
Thursday is expected to bear the brunt of the Arctic air, with temperatures falling into the single digits again at night.
By Friday things will warm up slightly into the 20s. Though Friday night could see a low around 17 degrees, the weekend should bring even warmer New York City weather with a high near 32 on Saturday and a high near 44 on Sunday.
