If you thought winter was taking it easy on Western New York, think again. A brutal Arctic blast has settled in, bringing bone-chilling temperatures and relentless lake-effect snow that will stick around through at least Wednesday. With wind chills dropping dangerously low and travel conditions worsening, residents need to take extra precautions to stay safe.
How Cold Are We Talking?
It’s not just cold—it’s dangerously cold. Temperatures will struggle to climb out of the teens, but the real problem is the wind chill, which will make it feel 10 to 20 degrees below zero. That kind of cold isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s potentially life-threatening.
- Tuesday, February 18: The sun might be shining, but don’t let that fool you. It’s bitter out there, with highs only reaching 15°F (-9°C). By nightfall, the temperature will dip to 7°F (-14°C), and with strong winds, it’ll feel even colder.
- Wednesday, February 19: Another frigid day, with highs barely making it to 17°F (-8°C). Overnight, temperatures will drop to 12°F (-11°C), and scattered snow showers will make things even messier.
- Thursday, February 20: Still no real relief. Expect cloudy skies and a high of just 21°F (-6°C). A few more snow showers could dust the area, and the overnight low will be a teeth-chattering 15°F (-9°C).
Lake-Effect Snow Making Things Worse
As if the extreme cold weren’t enough, lake-effect snow continues to hammer parts of Western New York. When frigid Arctic air moves over the relatively warmer waters of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, it creates intense snow bands that dump heavy snowfall in narrow areas.
Some places could see an additional several inches of snow by Wednesday, especially south of Buffalo and along the Lake Ontario shoreline. What makes lake-effect snow so dangerous is how quickly it can reduce visibility and create treacherous driving conditions. One minute, it’s just flurries—then suddenly, you’re in whiteout conditions with near-zero visibility.
How This Will Impact You
- Extreme Frostbite Risk: With wind chills dipping as low as -20°F (-29°C), frostbite can develop on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. If you have to be outside, wear layers, cover all exposed skin, and keep moving to stay warm.
- Dangerous Roads: Snow-covered roads and icy patches will make for hazardous driving conditions. Take it slow, leave extra space between vehicles, and be prepared for sudden whiteouts.
- Possible Power Outages: Gusty winds combined with snow could knock down power lines, leading to outages. Make sure you have extra blankets, flashlights, batteries, and a backup heat source if possible.
- Check On Others: This kind of cold is especially dangerous for the elderly, children, and those without proper heating. If you know someone who might be at risk, check on them and make sure they’re safe and warm.
When Will It Warm Up?
Not for a few more days. Temperatures will stay well below freezing through Friday, with only a slight warm-up expected over the weekend. Even when things do start to improve, the leftover snow and ice will keep road conditions tricky.
For now, the best thing you can do is bundle up, limit time outside, and stay off the roads if possible. Western New York knows how to handle winter, but this Arctic blast is no joke—stay safe, stay warm, and keep an eye on the latest forecasts.
