The tri-state area woke up to an icy blast on Wednesday morning, with sub-zero wind chills making for a frigid start to the day. Areas further north and west faced even harsher conditions, with temperatures plunging into the negative double digits. Even Central Park, usually one of the milder spots, recorded its coldest temperature in nearly two years.
While temperatures are gradually rising, the region is still in for several more days of below-freezing weather before a much-needed thaw arrives this weekend.
Gradual Warm-Up, But Not Warm Enough
Although temperatures are beginning to rise, they remain far from comfortable. Highs will slowly tick upward, but freezing conditions will persist for the next few days. It’s only by Sunday that the region will finally see temperatures climb above freezing for several hours.
By then, highs are expected to approach 40 degrees, bringing a return to typical late-January temperatures. This will be a welcome shift, considering that the region has been dealing with extreme cold since last weekend.
Stable Weather Pattern with Little Precipitation
As we move into next week, temperatures will remain relatively steady without any major fluctuations. There are no strong cold fronts or low-pressure systems on the horizon, which means the weather pattern will remain calm. However, this also means that there won’t be any significant precipitation in the near future.
Through the end of January, the region is not expected to see any meaningful rain or snowfall. Despite a few chances for snow earlier in the month, Central Park is experiencing one of its driest Januarys on record. With only 0.45 inches of precipitation recorded so far, 2025 could end up being the driest January in the city’s history.
The tri-state area is in the midst of a prolonged cold spell, with sub-zero wind chills and below-freezing temperatures dominating the week. A slow warming trend is underway, but it won’t bring truly warm conditions just yet.
By Sunday, temperatures will finally rise above freezing, offering some relief. However, the dry weather pattern is expected to persist, making this one of the driest Januarys on record for Central Park. While no major storms or precipitation are on the horizon, residents should still brace for chilly days ahead.
