So much for that mild warmup this week.
Meteorologists say another deep freeze is heading for the New York metro area over the next several days, and city officials are warning residents not to let their guard down.
An Arctic front will carry bitterly cold air into the region, including “dangerously low” wind chills Friday night through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
“Even though lows will be in the single digits Saturday night, the feels-like temperatures, the wind chills, will be around negative 10 to negative 15 degrees,” NWS meteorologist Bryan Ramsey said.
“In fact, even during the daytime on Saturday and during the day on Sunday, it’s gonna feel like the single digits, even though the high temperatures Saturday and Sunday will be in the low 20s to middle teens,” he added.
Saturday night could bring some of the lowest temperatures in the city so far this year, with a low of 6 degrees forecast, according to NWS.
Relief from the freezing temperatures is not in sight until the middle of next week, Ramsey said, noting highs on Tuesday and Wednesday are currently predicted to be around 32 to 35 degrees.
City recommends precautions
New York City Emergency Management is urging people to take advantage of the warmer conditions before the next deep freeze to dig out their cars, clear snow and ice and check that doors, locks and fuel caps are working.
Alternate side parking rules are suspended through this weekend to facilitate continued snow removal, but parking meters will remain in effect, according to the city.
Officials are also recommending that New Yorkers clear out catch basins near their homes and monitor for signs of frozen or leaking pipes.
“Taking care of these basics now can help prevent breakdowns, slips and burst pipes when temperatures plunge again this weekend,” Emergency Management said in a post on X.
The agency added that the anticipated weather “presents a moderate to high excessive cold threat to life and property.”
Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration has said 17 people were found dead outdoors during the extreme cold over roughly the past week and a half, including 13 cases where authorities suspect hypothermia played a role.
“These are dangerous, life-threatening conditions, and as long as temperatures remain this low, the risk of fatal exposure endorses,” Mamdani said at a press conference Wednesday.
“These are also some of the coldest conditions that the city has faced in its recorded history, and so we want to encourage everyone to take this seriously and to respond accordingly,” he added.
The mayor asked people to call 311 for assistance from outreach workers and first responders if they see anyone outdoors who looks like they need help.
Wind chills around 0 degrees can cause frostbite in just minutes, officials said. They advised residents to limit their time outdoors, take frequent breaks indoors, dress warmly and keep an eye out for neighbors and pets.
The city has also opened warming centers amid the frigid weather. Their locations can be found by calling 311 or visiting the system’s website.
This story has been updated with additional information.