If you thought winter had been kind so far, think again. A brutal Arctic blast has turned New York into a deep freeze, and it’s not just uncomfortable—it’s downright dangerous. From the Adirondacks to New York City, temperatures have plummeted, bringing frostbite warnings, power concerns, and plenty of shivering New Yorkers. This isn’t your typical winter cold—it’s the kind you don’t mess with.
Just How Cold Is It?
Let’s cut to the chase: it’s cold enough to hurt. In Saranac Lake, temperatures have dropped to a bone-chilling -25°F (-31.7°C). With the wind chill, it feels even worse, like your breath is freezing before you can exhale. Over in Schroon Lake, it’s not much better, with temperatures hitting -10°F (-23.3°C).
And the cold isn’t just upstate. Even New York City is feeling the Arctic air, with temps down to 12°F (-11°C). But with the wind whipping between skyscrapers, it feels colder. It’s that “turn-around-and-go-back-inside” kind of cold that catches you the second you step outside.
Why Is It So Cold Right Now?
Blame the Arctic. A dip in the jet stream is letting frigid air from the Arctic flow down into the northeastern U.S. This isn’t unusual during the winter, but this particular blast is stronger than usual, thanks to shifting atmospheric conditions. The result: several days of freezing temperatures that have New Yorkers scrambling for their warmest coats and staying as close to the radiator as possible.
Who’s Feeling It the Worst?
If you’re in New York, you’re feeling the cold, but some areas are definitely getting hit harder than others:
- Saranac Lake: -25°F (-31.7°C) — This spot in the Adirondacks regularly sees cold winters, but even locals are bundled up and staying indoors.
- Schroon Lake: -10°F (-23.3°C) — A scenic spot that’s less scenic when your face feels like it’s frozen.
- Albany: 5°F (-15°C) — Still dangerously cold, especially if you’re outside for long.
- New York City: 12°F (-11°C) — Cold enough to make you question your choice to live in the “greatest city in the world.”
What Officials Are Saying
Governor Kathy Hochul has warned New Yorkers to take the cold seriously. “This isn’t just another chilly day—it’s dangerous,” she said. “We need people to limit their time outdoors, check on neighbors, and take advantage of warming centers if needed.”
Warming centers have been set up across the state to help anyone without proper heating, and officials are on standby in case of power outages or emergencies.
Why This Cold Is So Dangerous
Cold weather like this isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be life-threatening. Here’s what you need to watch out for:
- Frostbite: When temperatures are this low, exposed skin can freeze in as little as 10 minutes. Your fingers, toes, ears, and nose are the most vulnerable, so cover them up.
- Hypothermia: Spending too much time outside without proper clothing can cause your body temperature to drop dangerously low, leading to fatigue, confusion, and even unconsciousness.
- Power Outages: Extreme cold puts extra strain on power grids, and strong winds can knock down power lines, leaving homes without heat.
How to Stay Warm and Safe
This isn’t the time to be a hero. Take precautions to protect yourself:
- Layer Up: Wear multiple layers, including thermal socks, hats, gloves, and scarves to cover as much skin as possible.
- Limit Outdoor Time: If you can, stay inside. If you do go outside, don’t stay out for long, and make sure to cover exposed skin.
- Check Your Heating Source: If you’re using a space heater, make sure it’s working safely and isn’t near anything flammable. If your home’s heating system is struggling, consider visiting a warming center.
- Have Emergency Supplies: Keep flashlights, batteries, blankets, and food on hand in case of a power outage.
- Check on Neighbors: Older adults, young children, and people without reliable heat are the most vulnerable in this kind of weather. A quick check-in could save a life.
When Will It Warm Up?
Unfortunately, this Arctic chill isn’t leaving anytime soon. Temperatures will remain dangerously low through most of the week, especially at night when the cold will be at its worst. By the weekend, some areas could see a slight warm-up, but don’t expect any major relief just yet. Even when daytime highs climb a little, it’ll still be cold enough to make you shiver.
Is Climate Change Making Winters Worse?
It might sound strange to talk about climate change during a cold snap, but scientists say the two are connected. The Arctic is warming faster than the rest of the world, which disrupts the jet stream and allows cold air to dip farther south than it normally would. That’s why we’ve seen more extreme weather patterns in recent years, including intense snowstorms and prolonged cold spells.
While not every cold event can be directly blamed on climate change, experts agree that warming trends are making weather more erratic.
Final Thoughts: Take This Cold Seriously
This Arctic blast is no joke. If you’re in New York, take the warnings seriously—this isn’t just a little winter inconvenience. Dress warmly, stay inside as much as you can, and check on anyone who might need extra help. Frostbite and hypothermia aren’t just things you read about—they’re real risks when temperatures drop this low.