New York, NY – The Northeast woke up to freezing temperatures this Veterans Day as a sharp cold snap gripped much of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. A Freeze Warning remained in effect through 9 a.m., marking one of the coldest mornings of the season so far. However, forecasters say warmer days are on the way by midweek, with early hints of snow possible before Thanksgiving.
The Cold Snap: Season’s First Major Freeze Hits the Region
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in New York, temperatures dropped to between 29°F and 32°F across the tri-state area overnight, officially ending the growing season for many parts of the region.
Residents from southern Connecticut to northeast New Jersey and southeast New York woke to frosted rooftops, icy car windshields, and bitter morning wind chills in the upper 20s. Commuters were advised to allow extra time for travel due to potential slick spots and frosty windshields.
“We’re seeing the coldest air mass of the season so far,” forecasters said. “Wind chills make it feel several degrees colder, especially near the Hudson and East Rivers.”
The NWS urged residents to protect any remaining plants or outdoor plumbing, as the freeze will likely mark a seasonal turning point toward consistently colder weather.
Forecast Update: Gradual Warming Expected Midweek
The current chill is expected to ease gradually by midweek, bringing a return to more typical mid-November temperatures. Highs are forecast to climb back to around 50°F by Wednesday, accompanied by lighter winds and mostly sunny skies.
Forecasters predict that Thursday and Friday will remain cool and dry, although a weak cold front late Friday could reintroduce brisk air into the region for the weekend. Despite the chill, no major storms are expected through Sunday.
“We’re looking at a mostly dry stretch through the weekend — great weather for raking leaves or early holiday decorating,” meteorologists noted.
Long-Range Outlook: Early Snow Chances Around Thanksgiving
While short-term conditions remain stable, long-range models are showing the potential for a brief winter tease around Thanksgiving week. The pattern could allow for a mix of rain and light snow, particularly north of Interstate 80, if a surge of colder air returns.
Meteorologists caution that it’s still too early for specifics, but the setup suggests the first light flakes of the season could arrive in parts of upstate New York and northern New Jersey just before the holiday.
Residents planning Thanksgiving travel are encouraged to monitor updates closely, as even minor temperature drops could determine whether the region sees cold rain or light snow showers.
Weekend Outlook: Dry, Bright, and Breezy
For those planning Veterans Day ceremonies, skies will remain mostly clear through Monday, although the morning chill will persist. The five-day stretch ahead looks mostly dry, with brief breezes and cool sunshine dominating the weekend.
Forecasters say it’s an ideal window for outdoor chores, including leaf cleanup or setting up holiday lights, before another round of November cold arrives late in the week.
Five-Day Forecast for New York, NY
- Wednesday: 49°/43° – Mostly sunny; lighter winds, milder afternoon.
- Thursday: 51°/41° – Mostly sunny and cool; calm evening.
- Friday: 49°/41° – Partly sunny; cooler trend returns by night.
- Saturday: 48°/41° – Breezy and dry; early inland chill possible.
- Sunday: 53°/43° – Partly sunny; light rain chance north of I-95.
Conclusion
As New York’s fall chill slowly relaxes, the city will enjoy a stretch of sunshine and moderate temperatures before the next cool front arrives. Forecasters say early snowflakes could make an appearance before Thanksgiving, signaling the official arrival of winter weather just around the corner.
What are your thoughts on this early taste of winter? Share your comments and weather experiences below.
