UPDATE: New York City is bracing for a frigid New Year’s Eve as forecasters warn of the coldest ball drop in nearly a decade. With around one million revelers expected in Times Square, temperatures are predicted to plummet from a high of 34 degrees Fahrenheit to around 30 degrees by midnight.
Officials from AccuWeather have confirmed that if the forecast holds, the midnight temperature will mirror the chill of the New Year’s Eve of 2017-2018, when it dipped to a brutal 9 degrees. Despite seeming moderate, the wind chill will make conditions feel significantly colder, dipping into the teens and 20s this evening.
As gusty winds of 10-15 mph sweep through the city, experts advise those attending the celebration to find shelter along 7th Avenue or Broadway to avoid the worst of the cold. The National Weather Service has also issued warnings about light snow that could accompany the festivities.
Light snow showers are expected from 9 PM until midnight, with the potential for “more widespread light snow” overnight into Thursday morning. Meteorologist Jesse Ferrell noted that if significant snow falls during the ball drop, it would be the first such occurrence since 2009.
“If there is snow of any consequence during the ball drop, it will be the first since 2009,” Ferrell stated. “While there was a bit of snow reported in 2013 on New Year’s Eve, it occurred during the daylight hours only.”
Travelers heading into the city for the festivities are urged to exercise caution on the roads. The incoming storm could disrupt travel from the north and west, impacting major highways like I-78, I-80, I-81, and I-90. Areas in upstate New York, western Pennsylvania, and Ohio could also experience a brief disruption in lake-effect snow due to this system.
Further complicating matters, a weak storm may develop offshore, potentially bringing snow to parts of Long Island and southeastern New England from tonight into early Thursday. If the two systems merge, New York City could see a coating of up to one inch of snow, leading to slippery streets and sidewalks.
As the countdown begins, New Yorkers and visitors alike are advised to dress warmly and prepare for a potentially snowy and icy New Year’s celebration. Stay tuned for updates as conditions develop throughout the evening.
