Photo: Photographer, Basak Gurbuz Derman / Moment / Getty Images
Syracuse's brief respite from winter's grip is coming to an abrupt end as dangerously cold arctic air returns to Central New York this weekend, bringing potentially life-threatening conditions.
After temperatures briefly climbed to 30 degrees on Tuesday afternoon—the first time Syracuse had reached that threshold since January 22—forecasters warn that a powerful arctic front will sweep through the region Friday night, plunging temperatures into the single digits with wind chills as low as 25 degrees below zero.
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Watch for much of the region, including Onondaga, Cayuga, Ontario, Seneca, Schuyler, Wayne, and Yates counties, valid from 4 a.m. Saturday until 1 p.m. Sunday.
"Dangerous wind chills colder than 20 below zero possible," the Weather Service explains. "The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes."
Before the arctic air arrives, Central New York will experience light lake effect snow through Thursday, with accumulations generally expected to remain below three inches. A brief lull in snowfall is possible late Wednesday as drier air moves in, but lake effect snow will redevelop by early Thursday morning before high pressure brings clearing Thursday afternoon.
The most significant weather event begins Friday as a clipper system brings light accumulating snow ahead of the arctic cold front. While snowfall amounts are expected to remain light—a widespread 2 to 4 inches across much of the Finger Lakes and Central New York by Saturday morning—the real concern is the extreme cold that follows.
Temperatures will drop sharply Friday night, with Saturday's highs struggling to climb out of the single digits in many locations. Some higher terrain areas may remain near or below zero throughout the day. Overnight lows will drop to near or below zero both Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Strong winds accompanying the arctic front will create dangerous conditions, with gusts potentially approaching 40 mph in some areas. This will drive wind chills to 10 degrees below zero or colder throughout Saturday, with morning wind chills ranging from 15 to 25 degrees below zero.
The combination of new snowfall, blowing and drifting snow, and extreme cold will make for difficult travel from Friday night through Saturday. Visibility may drop quickly in bursts of heavier snow along the front, with near-whiteout conditions possible at times late Friday night. Travel could become especially hazardous on east-west roads due to drifting snow.
Health officials advise residents to limit time outdoors, dress in multiple layers, cover all exposed skin, and keep pets indoors as much as possible during this dangerous cold snap. At wind chills near -25°, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 15 minutes.
The frigid conditions will persist into early next week before a warming trend begins midweek. By the middle of next week, temperatures should approach normal values for early February as a ridge builds into the Northeast.
This will be one of the coldest stretches of the winter so far for Central New York and potentially the most dangerous. Residents are urged to prepare now by ensuring homes are properly heated, checking on elderly neighbors, and having emergency supplies ready.