NYC braces for first significant snowfall of season this weekend
New York City expects 3 to 5 inches of snow Saturday evening through Sunday morning, with winter weather advisories in effect.
December 13, 2025 - 08:07 PM ET • 2 min read
New York City is preparing for the season's first meaningful snowfall, with snow expected to arrive late Saturday and continue into early Sunday morning.
The National Weather Service issued winter weather advisories from 10 p.m. Saturday through 1 p.m. Sunday for New York City, Northeast New Jersey, Long Island, Southern Westchester County, and Coastal Connecticut.
Snowfall totals will vary by location. New York City, Northeast New Jersey, and coastal areas are forecast to receive 3 to 5 inches, while interior locations may see 2 to 3 inches. Some areas on eastern Long Island could receive between 4 and 6 inches.
Most of the snow is expected to fall between midnight and 9 a.m. Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. A senior meteorologist at Accuweather described the event as "going to be about a 12-hour event — snow is going to be generally light to moderate at times." The last snowflake is expected around 9 a.m. Sunday morning.
Forecasters said the snow may start wet in some places but will become lighter and more powdery overnight as temperatures fall. Temperatures will drop below freezing overnight Saturday, generally remaining in the upper 20s.
The timing allows SantaCon revelers to enjoy the annual event Saturday evening before snow arrives around 9 p.m. The city's Department of Sanitation has issued a snow alert for the weekend.
The snowfall is being driven by a quick-moving storm system bringing cold air from the north associated with a weakening polar vortex, combined with moisture from a low-pressure system moving from the south.