Arctic Cold Arrives First as Weekend Winter Storm Looms for the Region

A sharp blast of Arctic air is poised to grip the region at the end of the week, bringing dangerously cold temperatures followed by the potential for a significant winter storm this weekend.

According to the National Weather Service, conditions begin to deteriorate Friday as an Arctic air mass settles in. By early Saturday morning, temperatures are expected to drop below zero, with wind chill values plunging to between minus 20 and minus 30 degrees.

Forecasters warn that the extreme cold could pose serious risks to anyone spending extended time outdoors, including frostbite and hypothermia.

Looking ahead to the weekend, confidence is increasing in a winter storm expected to arrive Sunday morning and continue into Monday for our listening area. The storm is forecast to bring widespread accumulating snow, with some areas potentially seeing moderate to heavy snowfall.

While exact totals are still uncertain, the combination of heavy snow and lingering cold could make for hazardous travel conditions.

Stay tuned as forecasts are updated, limit exposure during periods of extreme cold, and prepare for difficult travel as the storm approaches.

Image: Traffic passes piled-up snow in Lowville, N.Y., Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Cara Anna)