Blizzard or bust? Breaking down the scenarios for a major NYC area snowstorm this weekend
Blizzard or bust? Breaking down the scenarios for a major NYC area snowstorm this weekend
The Brief
-
Some weather models are hinting at a significant snowstorm this weekend for the New York City area.
-
The National Weather Service says snow appears most likely Saturday night through Sunday.
-
“This one is probably going to be one of the overachievers,” FOX 5 NY’s Mike Woods said.
NEW YORK CITY – Forecast models showing a major snowstorm hitting the New York City area this weekend have been making the rounds on social media, and according to the National Weather Service, confidence in an impactful winter storm this weekend “is increasing.”
JUMP TO: MODELS l TIMELINE l IMPACTS l UNCERTAINTY l LIVE UPDATES
But in reality, that’s only one model. At the same time, another model shows snow, but in a lighter form.
What is the European model saying?
The European model shows heavy snow blanketing much of the central and eastern portions of the country, including the New York City area.
What is the American model saying?
The American model is similar in ways, but the New York City area is under a blue shade – or moderate potential for snow.
What is FOX 5 NY’s Mike Woods saying?
What they’re saying
“This one is probably going to be one of the overachievers. I mean, some of the models give us as much as a foot of snow just to our south,” Woods said.
Are we getting snow this weekend?
Timeline
The National Weather Service (NWS) says snow appears most likely Saturday night through Sunday:
Very cold air will remain in place over the area today/tonight. Some moderation in temperatures is expected Wed and Thu before cold air returns. We are monitoring increasing potential for an impactful winter storm across portions of the area this weekend. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/IGYIZn2btU
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) January 20, 2026
-
Saturday night: A 40% chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 14.
-
Sunday: Snow likely. Mostly cloudy and cold, with a high near 20. The chance of precipitation is 60%.
-
Sunday night: A 40% chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 15.
How much snow is expected on Sunday?
Local perspective
According to the NWS, the winter storm will produce heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain over much of the United States before shifting toward the East Coast through Sunday.
As of Tuesday morning, the NWS has parts of the NYC area at a 40% chance of “at least moderate winter impacts.” The city is also at a 43% chance of 5 inches of snow or more this weekend.
Snow prediction for this weekend
What we don’t know
“Uncertainty remains regarding the location and magnitude of this winter storm’s various components,” the NWS said in a post on Facebook.
Specific details regarding timing, amounts and extent of impacts will become more clear as the week progresses.
About the two models
Dig deeper
In the U.S., the two most popular models you’ll see mentioned on social media are the Global Forecast System (GFS), also colloquially known as “The American Model”, and the model run by the ECMWF, the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts, colloquially known as “The European” model, or “Euro” for short.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration runs the GFS with support from several other U.S. research and government entities. The ECMWF is based in England but is a private consortium supported by 34 European countries.
There are different models run by government weather agencies, but the Euro and GFS are the two you’ll hear about most often.
FOX Weather updates
NYC weather radar
Click HERE for more information.
The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 5. The Warriors have a lot to figure out before then.
Luis Robert Jr. is headed to the Mets.
This game can be pretty tough, so we’ve got clues if you’re stuck on today’s puzzle, #955.
Yahoo Tech
Need extra hints for today’s Strands puzzle? Here are clues and spoilers for puzzle #689.
Yahoo Tech
Kraft spoke in the most assertive tone we’ve heard to date from a league power broker on the NFL’s desire to expand the schedule and broaden global horizons.
If hired, McDaniel will be tasked with further developing quarterback Justin Herbert and improving an offense that struggled the past two postseasons.
Despite numerous reports stating the contrary this past weekend, boxing’s heavyweight king is not headlining iVisitBoxing’s ambitious plans for a July 11 show featuring 140,000 fans.
Andrew Siciliano, Jori Epstein and Frank Schwab dissect John Harbaugh’s introductory press conference as head coach of the New York Giants.
Voting trends can help us forecast the next wave of Hall of Famers. Here’s a look at five notable candidates on this year’s ballot.
Lighter, quieter and far less maintenance, these convenient picks cover everything from decks to driveways.
Yahoo ShoppingPowered by WPeMatico