Syracuse Endures Longest Extreme Cold Streak in 47 Years

The bitter cold snap is expected to finally end on Monday, but another Arctic blast is on the way.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 8:47am

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Syracuse, New York is experiencing its longest stretch of extreme cold in nearly 47 years, with Sunday likely marking the ninth consecutive day that high temperatures failed to reach 18 degrees. The bitter cold snap is expected to end on Monday when temperatures are forecast to climb to 25 degrees, but a new surge of Arctic air is predicted to arrive by Saturday.

Why it matters

The extended period of frigid temperatures and heavy snowfall has taken a significant toll on the local community, disrupting daily life and straining resources. As climate change drives more extreme weather events, understanding and preparing for these types of prolonged cold snaps will be crucial for cities like Syracuse.

The details

Since Saturday, January 24th, the mercury has not risen above 17 degrees in Syracuse. During that eight-day period, the average high temperature was 14 degrees and the average low was 4 degrees. The city also received 16.4 inches of snow. These temperatures stand in stark contrast to normal conditions for this time of year, which typically bring highs of 31 degrees and lows of 15 degrees.

  • On Sunday, the high temperature is expected to reach 14 degrees.
  • On Monday, temperatures are forecast to climb to 25 degrees, providing a brief respite.
  • By Saturday, another surge of Arctic air is expected to arrive in the region.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency that monitors and forecasts weather conditions across the United States.

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What they’re saying

“The warming trend beginning Monday is attributed to high pressure building into the region. Temperatures are forecast to reach the 20s, though they will remain well below normal.”

— National Weather Service

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the situation and provide updated forecasts as the next Arctic blast approaches the region.

The takeaway

This extreme cold snap highlights the growing challenges cities like Syracuse face in adapting to the impacts of climate change, including more frequent and severe winter weather events. Preparing for and responding to these types of prolonged cold spells will be crucial for protecting public safety and maintaining community resilience.