UPDATE: New York City is bracing for a potentially record-breaking cold New Year’s Eve as around one million revelers prepare to gather in Times Square to welcome 2026. Forecasters are warning attendees to bundle up, as temperatures are expected to drop from a high of 34°F earlier in the day to around 30°F by midnight—the coldest ball drop since 2017.
Meteorologists, including AccuWeather’s Jesse Ferrell, predict that if current forecasts hold, the temperature at midnight could plummet to a bone-chilling 9°F with windchill, making conditions feel like the teens to 20s. “The wind and dry air will make it feel much colder than the actual temperature,” Ferrell stated. Westerly winds of up to 15 mph will sweep through the city, increasing the risk of hypothermia for those standing in exposed areas.
To mitigate the effects of the wind, attendees are advised to find shelter along 7th Avenue or Broadway and avoid intersections that face west. The National Weather Service has also confirmed that light snow showers could start as early as 9 PM and continue into the night, with more significant snowfall expected by Thursday morning. This may lead to the first significant snowfall during the ball drop since 2009.
With the potential for snow flurries to mix with celebratory confetti at midnight, this New Year’s Eve promises to be both magical and frigid. “If snow occurs during the ball drop, we will witness something that hasn’t happened in years,” Ferrell noted.
Travelers heading to New York for the festivities should exercise caution on the roads, especially those coming from the north and west, where lake-effect snow is expected. Highways including interstates 78, 80, 81, and 90 may become slippery due to snow accumulation. Additionally, a weak storm could bring light snow to parts of Long Island and southeastern New England.
As the countdown to midnight approaches, New Yorkers and visitors alike are reminded to dress warmly and stay aware of the evolving weather conditions. The excitement in Times Square is palpable, but safety should remain a priority amid the cold and potential snow.
Stay tuned for live updates as the situation unfolds.
