New York City is poised to experience its first significant snowfall of the season this weekend, with the National Weather Service issuing a winter weather advisory for the city, as well as Long Island and much of Central and South New Jersey from Saturday night into Sunday morning.
While this snowfall is not expected to be overwhelming, it is anticipated to bring joy to winter enthusiasts. Residents in the city can expect to wake up on Sunday to approximately two inches of fresh snow blanketing the ground. Areas farther inland may see less accumulation, while eastern Long Island and the Jersey Shore are predicted to receive more. The maximum snowfall totals could reach around four inches, with some isolated areas possibly receiving higher amounts.
As for the timing of the storm, precipitation is expected to begin late Saturday evening. Initially, it may start as rain along the immediate coast, as temperatures during the day will remain above freezing. However, as night falls, temperatures are forecasted to drop to freezing or slightly below, resulting in a shift from rain to snow when the most intense precipitation occurs.
Residents may be greeted by a picturesque winter scene on Sunday morning, with a crisp layer of white powder coating their neighborhoods. Historically, New York City typically experiences its first measurable snowfall during the second week of December, making this storm right on schedule for the season.
The last recorded measurable snowfall in the city dates back to February 20, 2025—almost 300 days ago. Before that, the last inch of snow recorded was on February 11 of that year.
Following this weekend’s snowfall, temperatures are expected to remain below freezing into early next week. This means that the freshly fallen snow is likely to stick around for several days, allowing residents to enjoy the winter wonderland before warmer temperatures eventually lead to melting.
As the storm approaches, many can anticipate the onset of precipitation Saturday night, with a gradual transition to snow expected during the overnight hours. An hourly breakdown of the storm includes:
– 9 p.m. Saturday: Initial precipitation begins
– 12 a.m. Sunday: Continued transition to snow
– 3 a.m. Sunday: Snowfall intensifies
– 7 a.m. Sunday: Significant accumulation
– 10 a.m. Sunday: Morning snowfall ongoing
This weekend’s weather event is eagerly awaited by snow lovers and offers a classic winter experience for New Yorkers.
