Bitter Cold Returns to Western New York This Weekend

Arctic air and dangerous wind chills expected after a brief warm-up.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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After a brief respite from the bitter cold, an arctic front is set to bring heavy snow, frigid temperatures, and dangerous wind chills to Western New York by the end of this week. Temperatures are expected to plummet from the mid-20s on Friday to single digits by Saturday morning, with wind chills potentially reaching minus 20 degrees or lower.

Why it matters

The return of extreme cold weather poses significant risks to public safety, especially for vulnerable populations. Frostbite can set in on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes when wind chills are this low, making it crucial for residents to bundle up properly before venturing outside.

The details

The arctic front will bring light snow showers to the region for most of Friday, with accumulations of 1-3 inches expected. However, the bigger impact will be the influx of frigid air that arrives with the front. Temperatures are forecast to plummet from the mid-to-upper 20s on Friday afternoon to the single digits by Saturday morning. Winds will also pick up, with gusts of 25-35 mph, resulting in dangerous wind chill values.

  • The arctic front is expected to arrive in Western New York by Friday.
  • Light snow showers are forecast for most of Friday.
  • Temperatures are expected to drop from the mid-20s on Friday to the single digits by Saturday morning.
  • Wind chills could reach minus 20 degrees or lower on Saturday morning.

The players

Western New York

A region in the state of New York that includes the city of Buffalo and surrounding areas.

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What’s next

Temperatures are expected to gradually improve in the coming week, with the potential to climb above freezing by the end of the week.

The takeaway

This extreme cold weather event highlights the importance of being prepared for sudden shifts in weather conditions, especially for vulnerable populations. Residents should take necessary precautions, such as dressing warmly and limiting time outdoors, to stay safe during the upcoming cold snap.