Weather authorities believe the worst of winter in New York City is over, with most of the snow and ice likely gone by next week.
After enduring weeks of frigid temperatures, snow began melting in the city on Tuesday, and warmer weather is expected to stick around for a while.
“The main drivers behind the rapid snowmelt are warm winds across the snow and fog created by above-freezing temperatures,” explained AccuWeather meteorologist Chad Merrill.
“An influx of warmer winds from Tuesday night into Wednesday should accelerate the melting process,” he noted. “Currently, New York City has a snow depth of about 5 inches, but in some places, especially those that have been plowed, it will be quite taller.”
“By late next week, we should see all snow and ice completely melted away.”
Highs in the city are expected to hover in the upper 30s to low 40s from Tuesday through the upcoming weekend, according to forecasts.
Temperatures might hit 46 degrees on Saturday and 45 degrees next Thursday, with some chances of light winter precipitation on Sunday and next Wednesday.
Even during the night, temperatures are expected to remain relatively stable, mostly in the low to mid-30s, with just a few dips into the 20s this week.
Although a cold day in the 30s may not sound pleasant elsewhere, many New Yorkers are enjoying the sunny winter weather after grappling with severe cold earlier in February, which included sub-zero conditions over the weekend.
“The wind two days ago felt like a slap in the face with freezing cheeks,” recalled Kayleigh Arthur, a 31-year-old from Manhattan.
“But today, I’m going out without a hat or gloves. It’s cool but nice,” she remarked while sipping on iced coffee.
Westchester commuter Shay Torres expressed that temperatures felt “definitely better than last week” as she strolled through Midtown.
“It’s definitely warmed up a bit,” the 20-year-old observed. “Honestly, though, I’m just waiting for it to heat up more. I’m done with the cold,” she said.
New York is expected to experience one more cold spell soon, although it won’t compare to the frigid temperatures seen this season.
“We might see colder-than-average temperatures towards the end of this month and into early March, but it won’t be as extreme as what we’ve already faced,” Merrill indicated.
A final drop in temperatures could finally take care of the snow that’s lingered in the city for over two weeks since Winter Storm Fern brought over a foot of snow on January 25.
