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Dangerous Cold Grips East as Winds Bring Frigid Temperatures
Extreme cold warnings in place across Northeast as wind chills reach -20F or lower
Published on Feb. 6, 2026
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At least 100 million Americans are on alert for dangerous cold weather in the coming days across the East as brutal, eye-watering cold winds - the coldest of the season for some - are expected across the Northeast this weekend. Wind chills in the -20s are possible in Michigan and northern Ohio through Saturday morning, with -10s for southern Ohio and West Virginia. New York City could reach as low as -20 this weekend, and upstate New York around Saranac Lake could reach -40. The extreme cold is due to strong winds gusting 30 to 50 mph this weekend, especially Saturday.
Why it matters
The dangerous cold and high winds pose a serious threat to public safety, with the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. The cold weather could also disrupt transportation, power, and other critical infrastructure across the Northeast.
The details
The extreme cold warnings are in place across much of the Northeast, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont. The system ushering in the brutal cold also brings some snow, with a dusting up to 1 inch possible in New York City on Friday night and 2 to 4 inches expected in Boston through Saturday evening. The western New York I-90 corridor could see 2 to 5 inches of snow through Saturday evening, including Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo.
- On Friday morning, snow was falling over Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, western Pennsylvania and western New York.
- By Friday afternoon, snow will become more scattered and fall from the Appalachians of western North Carolina through upstate New York.
- A few light snow showers or flurries will pass over New York City on Friday night.
- On Saturday, Boston and much of New England will continue to see passing snow showers.
- Monday morning will still be very cold across the Northeast, but the wind will be calmer, so wind chills won't be as extreme.
The players
New York City
Could reach as low as -20 this weekend, with the potential for frostbite in 10 minutes on exposed skin.
Saranac Lake, New York
Upstate New York area that could reach -40 wind chills this weekend.
Michigan and northern Ohio
Wind chills in the -20s are possible through Saturday morning.
Southern Ohio and West Virginia
Wind chills in the -10s expected.
Richmond, Virginia
Could reach below-zero wind chills this weekend.
What’s next
As the cold weather continues, officials will monitor power outages, transportation disruptions, and any reports of frostbite or hypothermia cases. Warming centers may be opened to provide shelter for vulnerable populations.
The takeaway
This extreme cold weather event highlights the importance of preparing for and responding to dangerous winter conditions, especially for those living in the Northeast. Residents should take necessary precautions to stay safe and warm during the frigid temperatures and high winds.
