Extreme Cold Warning Issued for Capital Region

Dangerously low temperatures and wind chills expected, prompting shelters to expand capacity

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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An extreme cold warning has been issued throughout the Capital Region and Hudson Valley as frigid temperatures and high winds have hit the area. The National Weather Service is forecasting dangerously cold wind chills as low as 20 to 30 degrees below zero, with the potential for frostbite in as little as 10 to 30 minutes. Shelters like the Capital City Rescue Mission in Albany are operating at or above capacity and taking steps to accommodate more people seeking refuge from the cold.

Why it matters

Extreme cold weather can be life-threatening, especially for vulnerable populations like the homeless. This warning highlights the need for community support and resources to ensure everyone has access to warm shelter during the winter months.

The details

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold warning in effect from noon on Saturday through 1 p.m. on Sunday for the entire Capital Region and Hudson Valley. Temperatures are expected to drop below zero, with wind gusts up to 50 mph creating wind chills of 20 to 30 degrees below zero. Shelter staff are working to expand capacity by placing mats and blankets on the floor to accommodate more people seeking refuge from the cold.

  • The extreme cold warning is in effect from noon on Saturday, February 7, 2026 through 1 p.m. on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
  • The last extreme cold warning in the Capital Region was issued in February 2023, when temperatures reached 10 to 15 degrees below zero.

The players

Tom Wasula

Lead meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Albany.

Perry Jones

Executive director of the Capital City Rescue Mission in Albany.

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What they’re saying

“This is about as cold as it gets in the Capital Region. We're expecting dangerously cold wind chills as low as 20 to 30 degrees below zero. With the winds gusting right now, they're gusting as high as 40 to 50 mph.”

— Tom Wasula, Lead meteorologist (Times Union)

“We've been sleeping 300 a night for a while. It's been a lot of people, but I'm glad to be able to get them off the streets and bring them in to warmth, good food and a place where people are watching them to make sure they're okay.”

— Perry Jones, Executive director (Times Union)

What’s next

The National Weather Service forecasts that temperatures will rise and reach highs in the low 30s by the end of the week, providing some relief from the extreme cold.

The takeaway

This extreme cold event highlights the critical role that community shelters play in protecting vulnerable populations during the winter months. It underscores the need for continued support and resources to ensure everyone has access to warm, safe refuge when temperatures plummet.