Albany, New York – A cold, muted morning settled over the Capital Region today, with rooftops in Rensselaer coated in a thin layer of frost. Drivers heading onto I-90 encountered crisp air and light ice sheen on bridges, though roads stayed dry. As Thanksgiving travel steadily increases across New York, today’s cloudy conditions pose no major issues — but shifting weather patterns early next week may disrupt some outbound plans.
Today’s Weather Overview
Skies across Albany remain mostly cloudy, holding temperatures in the upper 40s through the afternoon. Winds stay light, creating a calm but cold backdrop for commuters and early holiday travelers. Despite the frosty start, forecasters note that conditions are stable enough for safe driving and routine errands.
A quiet evening follows, with temperatures dipping into the mid-30s under continued cloud cover. While frost is likely overnight, no precipitation is expected.
According to current forecasts shared, today’s conditions are typical for late November in upstate New York.
Holiday Travel Begins to Climb
With Thanksgiving less than a week away, travel volume across New York State is rising quickly. Air travel out of Albany International Airport has increased through the week, and highways across the region are expected to see heavier traffic over the next several days.
Weather experts are monitoring larger national trends that could complicate travel early next week. Models continue to signal a Winter Tease across the northern U.S. between November 25 and December 3, bringing the chance of heavy snow to parts of the Midwest and interior Northeast.
“We’re watching a developing pattern that may trigger significant snow in the upper Midwest and parts of upstate New York next week,” a senior meteorologist noted. “Albany remains quiet for now, but the broader setup could influence travel schedules.”
For now, the Capital Region enjoys a brief period of calm weather before the holiday rush reaches peak intensity.
What Travelers Should Know
Even though Albany’s weather remains steady, shifting national conditions could affect long-distance road trips, airport connections, and cross-state movement.
Key facts for planning:
- Temps Today: Upper 40s
- Tonight’s Low: Mid-30s
- Next Weather Shift: Chance of rain Tuesday after 1 p.m.
- Travel Window: Best conditions remain Saturday–Sunday
Air travelers should prepare for potential delays if their route includes snow-prone regions in the Midwest or northern New England. Road travelers leaving Tuesday afternoon may face reduced visibility and wet pavement during showers.
Weekend Weather: Mild and Travel-Friendly
This weekend offers one of the best windows for holiday preparation:
Saturday
Temperatures rise to the mid-40s with mostly sunny skies. Light north winds make the day comfortable for errands, outdoor prep, or short-distance drives.
Saturday Night
Under partly cloudy skies, temperatures fall into the upper 20s, creating a cold but calm night.
Sunday
Mild for late November, with highs near 44°F and partly sunny skies. It marks another ideal day for local travel or last-minute holiday planning.
“This weekend looks seasonably pleasant, especially for late November,” a local weather analyst said. “If you need to travel before the holiday rush, Sunday is your best bet.”
Early Next Week: Changes Ahead
The calm streak ends Monday as clouds return across the Capital Region.
Monday
Mostly cloudy with highs near 49°F, remaining dry but signaling the start of a shifting pattern.
Tuesday
Moisture surges northward, bringing a chance of showers after 1 p.m. Travelers leaving after midday should expect slower roads, longer travel times, and lower visibility. While temperatures stay above freezing, wet conditions may still cause delays on busy corridors.
Five-Day Outlook for Albany / Rensselaer
- Saturday: 46°F — Mostly sunny
- Saturday Night: 27°F — Partly cloudy
- Sunday: 44°F — Partly sunny
- Monday: 49°F — Mostly sunny
- Tuesday: 48°F — Chance of showers after 1 p.m.
Conclusion
As Thanksgiving approaches, Albany residents and travelers can expect several calm days before changing conditions arrive on Tuesday. With national weather models hinting at broader wintry impacts, planning ahead is essential for anyone traveling long distances.
Have you noticed any weather changes in your area? Share your experiences in the comments below.
