Winter Alert! First Measurable Snow to Hit New York – Are You Ready?
Now that fall has officially arrived in New York, many of us are already thinking ahead to the next season: winter. And with winter comes the snow. But the big question on everyone’s mind is, when will we see the first measurable snowfall of the year in New York?
Looking back at historical weather data, we can predict some average dates for the first measurable snowfall in different parts of New York State. Here’s what the numbers tell us:
- Buffalo – November 8th
- Rochester – November 8th
- Syracuse – November 6th
- Binghamton – November 6th
- Albany – November 16th
- New York City – December 14th
According to the National Weather Service, “measurable snow” is defined as 0.1 inch or more in 24 hours. While these dates give us a rough idea of when to expect measurable snow, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the first time we’ll see snowflakes in these areas.
Typically, New Yorkers start to see the first snowflakes of the season in October. Still, since these early snowfalls don’t stick around or accumulate much, they don’t qualify as measurable snow. It’s more of a sneak peek of what’s to come later.
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The Race for the Golden Snowball: Which City Will See the Most Snow?
For those unfamiliar, New York State cities—except New York City—compete for the annual “Golden Snowball Award,” which is given to the city that records the most snowfall during the winter season.
Last year, Buffalo took the top spot thanks to two massive storms that hit in November and December. Buffalo received 71.4 inches of snow, which was still well below its average of 95.4 inches.
Here’s how the other major contenders measured up:
- Syracuse came in second with 60.8 inches.
- Rochester rounded out the top three with 52.5 inches.
Interestingly, all three cities experienced below-average snowfall compared to their usual totals. So, will we see a repeat of last year’s snowfall patterns this winter, or should we brace ourselves for a heavier snow season?
What Can We Expect This Winter?
Every winter in New York brings a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. Some years, cities like Buffalo get walloped by early-season storms, while others see milder winters with far less snow than expected.
The big question for this year is: Will we see another snow-heavy season, or will it be a lighter, milder winter like last year?
While it’s too early to know for sure, one thing is certain: New Yorkers will be prepared. Whether it’s stocking up on rock salt, ensuring the snowblowers are ready to go, or just pulling out the heavy winter coats, winter preparation is key for anyone living in the Empire State.
Final Thoughts
As we head into the colder months, it’s important to remember that snowfall patterns can be unpredictable. While historical data gives us a sense of when to expect the first measurable snow, Mother Nature can always surprise us.
Whether you’re in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, or even New York City, now is the time to prepare for winter. Keep an eye on the forecast and be ready for that first measurable snowfall—it’s likely just around the corner!