Warming Trend May Arrive In NYC

NEW YORK, NY— After a brief taste of spring, New Yorkers faced a sudden plunge into winter as overnight lows dropped into the teens, prompting Code Blue alerts in New York City and Newark. Wind chills fell into single digits, and city officials mobilized warming centers, outreach teams, and emergency resources to protect residents.

Central Park reached 54 degrees Saturday, the warmest day since Jan. 9, according to the National Weather Service. By Sunday, temperatures in the city were expected to remain in the 30s, dropping into the low 20s overnight. Wind chills could make it feel like the teens.

“We'll be lucky if we reach freezing,” National Weather Service meteorologist Joe Pollina said.

Highs Monday were forecast in the low 30s, roughly 10 to 15 degrees below the seasonal average.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced expanded efforts to keep New Yorkers safe as the temperature dropped. The city increased the number of Winter Access, Relief and Medical ambulettes and mobile units operating through March 14.

“Every New Yorker deserves warmth and dignity. Be safe. Check in on your neighbors. And if you see someone who needs help, please call 311,” Mamdani said.

The Department of Sanitation issued a Winter Operations Advisory beginning Sunday at 7 a.m.

The “Blizzard of 2026” dropped nearly two feet of snow across New York City, the heaviest snowfall in a decade. Traffic plunged 85 to 97 percent during the day, including a 97 percent drop during the morning commute. Hard braking fell 63 percent, while speeding dropped just 30 percent. Cell phone distraction, however, surged — up 20.4 percent overall and 88 percent from 6-9 a.m.

“Fewer cars. Worse roads,” Carole Hutchinson said. “And NY drivers were more glued to their phones.”

Relief is expected later this week. Pollina said Tuesday will remain slightly below normal, with highs in the lower 40s and a brief period of mixed rain and snow changing to rain. By Wednesday, temperatures should return to the mid- to upper 40s, and by Thursday, highs could reach the mid-50s.

Volunteers can assist unsheltered residents through the HOPE count, beginning Tuesday, March 10. The city’s annual effort engages outreach teams and volunteers to canvass streets, subways, and public spaces to ensure all residents experiencing homelessness are counted. Registration is available.