UPDATE: New York City is bracing for a potentially historic New Year’s Eve as forecasters predict bitter cold and possible snow for the celebration in Times Square. With around one million people expected to gather, temperatures are set to plummet from a high of 34 degrees Fahrenheit in the afternoon to around 30 degrees by midnight.
AccuWeather Meteorologist Jesse Ferrell warns that if the forecast holds true, this year’s midnight temperature could be the coldest since the New Year’s transition from 2017 to 2018, when it dipped to a frigid 9 degrees. The real-feel temperature may plunge into the teens due to strong westerly winds gusting at 10-15 mph across the city, creating dangerous windchill conditions.
For those attending the event, officials advise finding spots along 7th Avenue or Broadway to minimize exposure to the biting winds. The National Weather Service has also forecasted light snow showers starting as early as 9 PM on December 31, potentially mixing with confetti as the ball drops at midnight.
“If there is significant snow during the ball drop, it will mark the first occurrence since 2009,” Ferrell noted, reminding revelers that the last significant snowfall was a brief mix in daylight hours in 2013.
Travelers heading to New York should remain vigilant on the roads, particularly those coming from the north and west. The impending storm could disrupt traffic and create slippery conditions on major highways, including interstates 78, 80, 81, and 90, along with the Pennsylvania Turnpike and the New York Thruway.
According to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Dombek, “A weak storm may develop offshore, potentially bringing a light dusting of snow to parts of Long Island and southeastern New England overnight.” If forecasts align, NYC could see a coating to an inch of snow, adding to the holiday atmosphere but also complicating travel.
As New Yorkers prepare for the ball drop, they are reminded to dress warmly and plan for possible delays. This New Year’s Eve is shaping up to be one for the record books, with cold and snow combining to create a uniquely wintry celebration.
Stay tuned for further updates as conditions evolve. The excitement in Times Square is palpable, but safety must remain a priority as the city welcomes 2026 with open arms, despite the chill.
