Upstate NY City Hits Decade-Low Temperature of -36 Degrees

Several Upstate NY communities matched or beat their lowest temps of the winter.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Watertown, New York recorded a temperature of -36 degrees at the airport on Sunday, the lowest reading there since 2016 when the mercury dropped to -37 degrees. Syracuse also felt the deep freeze, matching its lowest temperature of the winter at -9 degrees. Other Upstate NY cities like Rome, Cooperstown, Binghamton, and Buffalo also matched or beat their lowest recorded temperatures so far this winter.

Why it matters

The extreme cold snap across Upstate New York highlights the region's vulnerability to severe winter weather, which can disrupt daily life, strain infrastructure, and pose risks to public health and safety. Understanding these temperature records provides important context about the region's changing climate patterns.

The details

Watertown's -36 degree reading on Sunday was just one degree warmer than the city's all-time record low of -37 degrees set on Valentine's Day 2016. Syracuse also hit -9 degrees, matching its lowest temperature of the winter recorded on January 24th. Several other Upstate NY cities like Rome, Cooperstown, Binghamton, and Buffalo also experienced their lowest temperatures of the season over the weekend.

  • Watertown recorded a temperature of -36 degrees at the airport on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
  • Watertown's previous record low was -37 degrees, set on Valentine's Day 2016.
  • Syracuse also hit -9 degrees on Sunday, February 8, 2026, matching its lowest temperature of the winter recorded on January 24, 2026.

The players

Watertown

A city in northern New York state that recorded a temperature of -36 degrees, its lowest in nearly 10 years.

Syracuse

The largest city in central New York state, which also experienced extreme cold on Sunday, matching its lowest temperature of the winter at -9 degrees.

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What’s next

Temperatures are expected to gradually warm up on Monday and Tuesday, with highs close to normal for most of the week across Upstate New York.

The takeaway

The extreme cold snap across Upstate New York serves as a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to severe winter weather, underscoring the need for communities to be prepared and resilient in the face of changing climate patterns.