Albany, NY – A strong November storm system is preparing to move through the Hudson River Valley, bringing several days of rain, gusty winds, and colder temperatures that could lead to the season’s first rain-to-snow changeover by Monday night. After a calm start to the weekend, the Capital Region is in for a stretch of wet and chilly weather as early winter conditions begin to take hold.
The Weekend Forecast: Rain Returns and Winds Strengthen
Clouds will dominate the skies across Albany and eastern New York today, with afternoon highs reaching the lower 50s. Southerly winds will increase through the day, signaling the arrival of a multi-day rain event that’s expected to last into Sunday.
Forecasters say the first round of showers will begin Friday evening, bringing gusts up to 30 mph and mild overnight lows in the mid-40s.
“We’ll start to see heavier rainfall and breezy conditions Friday night through Sunday,” said a National Weather Service forecaster in Albany. “Drivers should prepare for wet roads and reduced visibility.”
Saturday could bring a few brief breaks of sunshine, but another wave of rain is expected to move in late in the day. By Sunday morning, steady rainfall will cover much of the I-87 corridor, with daytime highs near 54°F.
Some areas could see up to an inch of rain, which may lead to minor ponding in low-lying or poorly drained spots.
Monday’s Shift: Colder Air and a Rain-to-Snow Mix Possible
The weather pattern takes a sharp turn on Monday, as a surge of cold air arrives from the Great Lakes region. Meteorologists predict that temperatures will drop quickly through the afternoon, causing rain to mix with or change to wet snow by Monday night, especially in higher elevations north and west of Albany — including the Helderbergs and Saratoga County.
While any snow accumulation is expected to be light and brief, the mix will mark the first hint of winter weather for the Capital Region this season.
“It’s too early to talk about significant snowfall,” forecasters said. “But it’s a reminder that November can turn wintry very quickly in upstate New York.”
Midweek Outlook: Cooler, Drier Air Ahead
After Monday’s rain and potential snow mix, conditions should gradually improve by Tuesday, which also marks Veterans Day. Skies will turn partly sunny, though temperatures will remain chilly, with highs only in the low 40s.
A weak system could bring scattered showers by Wednesday afternoon, but overall, the midweek period looks cool and quiet compared to the weekend storm.
Five-Day Forecast for Albany, NY
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high 55°F, light winds.
- Sunday: Rain likely, high 54°F, low 39°F.
- Monday: Rain early, then possible rain/snow mix, high 47°F, low 29°F.
- Tuesday (Veterans Day): Partly sunny and chilly, high 42°F, low 32°F.
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with a few showers late, high 47°F.
Conclusion
The upcoming storm marks the start of a colder pattern across upstate New York, with steady rainfall through the weekend and a chance for early snowflakes by Monday night. Residents are advised to plan for slippery roads and bundle up as temperatures drop into the 20s and 30s next week — a clear sign that winter is arriving early in the Capital Region.
How are you preparing for the upcoming weather shift in Albany? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below.
