New Yorkers woke up to a frozen world today as an intense Arctic blast sent temperatures plummeting across the state. It’s not just cold—it’s dangerously, painfully freezing. The kind of cold that burns your skin the second you step outside.
How Cold Is It? Absolutely Brutal.
If you thought last winter was bad, this one is taking things to a whole new level. Temperatures in New York City plunged to a bone-chilling 4°F, breaking records at JFK and LaGuardia airports. Central Park also recorded some of the lowest temperatures in over a century. But that’s nothing compared to what’s happening upstate.
In areas like the North Country and Adirondacks, the wind chill is making it feel like -50°F—yes, you read that right. At those temperatures, frostbite can happen in under 10 minutes if your skin is exposed. This isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous.
Governor Hochul Says: Take This Seriously
New York Governor Kathy Hochul is urging everyone to stay inside if possible and take the deep freeze seriously. “This isn’t just your typical cold snap,” she said. “We’re talking about life-threatening temperatures that can do real harm.”
Officials are warning that the extreme cold could lead to major disruptions in travel, power, and everyday life over the next couple of days.
How This Might Mess Up Your Plans
- Schools: Many districts are delaying start times or closing completely to keep kids safe.
- Public Transit: Expect train and subway delays, as frozen tracks and mechanical issues could slow things down.
- Power Issues: With everyone cranking up the heat, there’s concern over strain on the power grid. Some areas may even experience brief outages.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
- Limit time outside. If you don’t have to go out, don’t.
- Dress in layers. If you must go out, bundle up like your life depends on it—because it might. Hats, gloves, and scarves are non-negotiable.
- Check on loved ones. The elderly, people with medical conditions, and those without proper heating are at serious risk.
- Prepare for outages. Keep blankets, flashlights, and emergency supplies handy, just in case.
When Will This Nightmare End?
The deep freeze isn’t going away overnight. Expect frigid conditions through the weekend before temperatures start creeping back up early next week. Until then, crank up the heat, stay indoors, and don’t forget the hot chocolate.