Weather Alert Issued For New York City Over Bitter Cold Temperatures and Snow

New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) has issued a weather alert from Friday, February 6, through Monday, February 10, as dangerously cold temperatures, strong winds, and light snow are expected across the city. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) temperatures will remain below freezing throughout the period.

Light snow and flurries are expected Friday night into Saturday morning, with snow accumulation likely between half an inch and one inch across the city and slightly higher amounts possible in eastern Queens and Long Island.

NWS has issued an Extreme Cold Warning for 10 a.m. Saturday, February 7 through 1 p.m. Sunday, February 8. This Extreme Cold Weather Warning means dangerously cold wind chills are expected, with wind chill temperatures potentially reaching as low as 20 below zero (-29 celcius). Wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 5 minutes. Hypothermia, frostbite, or even death may occur if proper precautions are not taken.

An accompanying Wind Advisory is in effect Saturday, February 7 from 9 a.m. through midnight. Temperatures will drop steadily over the weekend, with Saturday highs near 20 degrees (-7 celcius) and overnight lows around 5 degrees (-15 celcius), producing wind chills as low as -20 degrees (-29 celcius). Strong winds are expected Saturday, with sustained speeds of 20-30 mph (32-48 kmph) and gusts up to 50 mph (80 kmph), causing widespread blowing snow and hazardous conditions.

Sunday will remain bitterly cold, with highs in the upper teens and lows near 10 degrees (-12 celcius). New Yorkers are urged to stay indoors when possible, take precautions against the cold, and check on neighbors who may need assistance.

With temperatures forecast to drop below freezing, the Department of Social Services (DSS) remains in an Enhanced Code Blue Weather Alert to protect vulnerable New Yorkers experiencing homelessness. This alert is activated whenever the temperature or wind chill is predicted to reach 32 degrees Fahrenheit (Celsius 0) or below between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m., triggering enhanced outreach efforts to encourage those living on the streets to seek shelter. During Code Blue, highly trained outreach teams work tirelessly to connect unsheltered New Yorkers with critical resources, including shelters, drop-in centers, safe havens, and stabilization beds.