As predicted, frigid air has made its way into New York State this week. It seems unusually early for this type of weather as temperatures like these are more typical in late January or even February. It’s not even officially winter yet, and temperatures are already hovering around zero! As cold as it is outside, there are also important regulations about how warm it must be inside.
Winter Arrives Early Across Western New York
For those who love winter, it sure arrived quickly. Portions of Western New York and areas along the Great Lakes south of Lake Ontario have already seen plenty of snowfall. Snowmobilers are getting ready for the season to begin once hunting season wraps up, and it looks like trail conditions may be decent soon.
Sledding hills across the region have also opened for the season. The most popular sledding spot in Western New York, Chestnut Ridge Park, officially opened its hill this week. Cross-country ski trails at various Erie County parks are also ready to go.
Not Everyone Loves the Cold
But not everyone who grew up in New York State is a fan of bitter cold and Old Man Winter. For some, the idea of stepping outside and freezing just to make it to work is a challenge. Thankfully, when you arrive at the office, New York State has regulations in place to keep workers safe and comfortable.
Workplace Temperature Requirements in New York State
According to previous reports and New York State labor guidelines, workplaces must maintain a minimum indoor temperature for staff to remain on the job. While these rules can vary based on the type of workplace, safety and comfort are the priority.
According to a post on the New York State website, “The Property Maintenance Code of New York State currently requires a minimum temperature of 65 degrees in all workspaces in buildings across the state”.
Will Schools Close for Extreme Cold?
Another big question this week: Do schools close when it gets this cold?
The answer is often case-by-case. The biggest factor isn’t the air temperature, it’s the wind chill. Fortunately, winds were calm on Friday morning when temperatures dipped to around zero. Even so, make sure your kids are fully bundled up, with no exposed skin, even when the wind chill isn’t below zero. Frostbite is a real risk and can happen within minutes, especially for young children or those with sensitive skin.
Keep Employees Safe and Stay Winter Ready
If you own a business or manage a staff, be sure you’re following the proper guidelines to keep employees warm, safe, and comfortable. Even though winter hasn’t officially started yet, this early blast of Arctic air is a reminder of what’s ahead.
While it may feel like winter will last forever once it officially begins, each cold morning brings us one day closer to spring. With any luck, this winter will move quickly and subzero temperatures will be an occasional exception, not the norm, as we head into 2026.
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Gallery Credit: Brett Alan