Olean Residents Enjoy Brief Respite from Winter Chill

Bobcat used to clear snow as temperatures reach 40s, but cold weather expected to return

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Residents of Olean, New York experienced a brief break from the recent arctic air, with temperatures reaching into the 40s on Tuesday. A local business owner, Bob Hoffman, was seen using a Bobcat frontloader to clear snow from a parking lot, taking advantage of the warmer weather. However, the relief is expected to be short-lived, as temperatures are forecasted to drop back down into the upper 20s on Wednesday, with some snowfall likely.

Why it matters

Olean, like many upstate New York towns, experiences harsh winter weather that can disrupt daily life and business operations. This brief warm spell provided a welcome respite, allowing residents to enjoy milder conditions and businesses to perform necessary maintenance, but the return of colder temperatures highlights the ongoing challenges of winter in the region.

The details

On Tuesday, Olean saw temperatures reach well into the 40s, a significant departure from the recent arctic air that had prevailed for several days. Local business owner Bob Hoffman took advantage of the warmer weather to use a Bobcat frontloader to clear snow from the parking lot of his business, Rick Bockman Inc. on East State Street. However, the National Weather Service in Buffalo is forecasting that temperatures will drop back down into the upper 20s on Wednesday, with some snowfall likely. The remainder of the week is expected to see highs in the 20s, though the weekend could bring a return to milder conditions with highs in the mid- to upper 30s.

  • On Tuesday, temperatures reached well into the 40s.
  • On Wednesday, the high is only expected to reach the upper 20s.
  • The remainder of the week is forecasted to see highs in the 20s.
  • The weekend could bring highs in the mid- to upper 30s.

The players

Bob Hoffman

A local business owner who used a Bobcat frontloader to clear snow from a parking lot during the brief warm spell.

Rick Bockman Inc.

A local business located on East State Street in Olean, New York.

U.S. Weather Service in Buffalo

The National Weather Service office that provided the forecast information for the Olean area.

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The takeaway

This brief respite from the harsh winter weather in Olean highlights the ongoing challenges that residents and businesses face in the region, as they must adapt to rapidly changing conditions and prepare for the return of colder temperatures and snowfall.