This weekend, the Big Apple is gearing up for its first snowfall of the season.
As Saturday night rolls around, the city might see a light dusting of snow, accumulating up to 3 inches across all five boroughs.
The snow isn’t expected to start until about 9 p.m., so those celebrating SantaCon can enjoy the festive atmosphere and relatively mild 40-degree temperatures before finding some shelter.
“This snowfall will last around 12 hours, with generally light to occasional flurries,” commented AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tyler Royce.
The forecast suggests snowfall amounts ranging from 1 to 3 inches, with the last flakes likely falling by 9 a.m. Sunday.
Saturday night temperatures will fall below freezing, lingering in the low 20s.
These chilly conditions will persist into Sunday, dipping into the teens at night, and potentially climbing back into the 30s by Monday.
Greater areas surrounding the city may receive more snow, with predictions of up to 5 inches in Westchester County and parts of central New Jersey.
Eastern Long Island is also likely to see about 5 inches, but that storm will hang around for several hours longer than the one affecting New York City.
This marks the city’s first snowfall in nearly 300 days, with the last significant event occurring in February when a 10-inch snowstorm blanketed the area.
Typically, the first snowflake in the city arrives during the second week of December, so this weekend aligns with that trend.
In response to the impending weather, the city’s Emergency Management Department has activated its winter weather emergency plan.
Sanitation crews will treat the roads throughout Saturday and are prepared to clear snow as it builds up.
NYCEM is advising residents to stay home if possible and avoid being out on the roads during the storm.
“With snow comes slippery conditions, so be cautious tonight and tomorrow morning,” Royce advised.
