Winter experts say this winter is going to be a “wild ride.”
The Farmers’ Almanac’s 2025-2026 forecast is calling for “dramatic swings and widespread wintry weather,” and they’re not kidding.
Dramatic Swings This WinterFarmers’ Almanac
Freezing temps, snow and plenty of weather whiplash are expected. Officials are telling New Yorkers to grab their warmest coats and boots, because it’s going to be a repeat of “chill, snow, repeat” all season long.
Hudson Valley residents should expect a winter that’s anything but mild. Starting in October through the entire winter season, it’s going to be icy, snowy, and unpredictable.
Frequent snowstorms are predicted for the Northeast, and the Atlantic Coast will get its share of heavy rain mixing with snow.
October Snow PossibleCanva
Officials say the flakes could start flying as early as October, with the first dusting hitting the region before Halloween.
For all the news that the Hudson Valley is sharing, make sure to follow Hudson Valley Post on Facebook, and download the Hudson Valley Post Mobile App
This isn’t a casual prediction. The Farmers’ Almanac has been tracking long-range weather for more than 200 years, giving New Yorkers a head start on planning for the cold, the snow, and everything in between.
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So dig out your warm clothes, stock the shovels, and start dreaming of a white Christmas.
Keep Reading:
Biggest snowfalls recorded in New York historyClick here to view photo galleryThe Dates When New York State Typically Sees Its 1st Snowstorm
Snow in October is much earlier than when hometowns in New York typically see’s its first snow.
The Dates When New York State Typically Sees Its 1st Snowstorm ThinkstockAlbanyThe average date for the first measurable snowfall in Albany is Nov. 16. Snow has fallen in Albany as early as Oct. 4, 1987, and as late as Dec. 28, according to the National Weather Service Albany.
robertiezHudson ValleyWPDH reports the earliest the Hudson Valley has seen snow is Oct. 4. That date has of course come and passed. The average date for the first snowstorm in the region is Nov. 16.
zoff-photoHudson Valley MoreHudson Valley meteorologist Ben Noll says the average date for the first inch of snow is Dec. 4.
Getty ImagesCentral ParkCentral Park typically sees snow around Dec. 13, the National Weather Service reports. Last winter it took until Feb. 1 for the first measurable snow, that’s the last ever.
MizCBuffaloThe average first flake in Buffalo is Oct. 24, according to the National Weather Service. The earliest ever was Sept. 20, 1956, with the latest on Nov. 22 in 1946 and 1985.
Getty Images LaGuardia Airport, QueensThe average first measurable snow at LaGuardia Airport is Dec. 10. In 2019 Queens reported its first snowfall in November.
Tony Savino
RochesterRochester’s average first snowfall is Oct. 23. The earliest flakes fell on Sept. 20, 1956, with the latest on Nov. 20, 1918. pixelnestNew York CityNew York City typically sees snow for the first time on Dec. 14, according to The Weather Channel. Oct. 21, 1952, was the earliest the Big Apple saw snow.
Getty ImagesJohn F. Kennedy International AirportSnow typically falls around John F. Kennedy International Airport around Dec. 9. Last year it didn’t snow there until Feb. 1, which is the latest on record, according to the National Weather Service.
GreenseasSyracuseThe Weather Channel reports the average first snowfall in Syracuse is Nov. 5. The earliest reported snowfall in the Central New York region is Oct. 1, 1946.
Getty ImagesLong IslandThe National Weather Service reports Long Island sees its first measurable snow on Dec. 11. Last year, snow fell for the first time on Dec. 12. These New York Counties Deal With More Snow Than Most Of AmericaA new study determined the snowiest counties in America. Many counties in New York State made the list, but the results may shock you.
CanvaNew York CountyOverall Rank In America: #125Overall Score: 27.00Snowfall Rate: 89Climate Rank: 162
CanvaQueens CountyOverall Rank In America: #114Overall Score: 28.14Snowfall Rate: 80Climate Rank: 163
CanvaSuffolk CountyOverall Rank In America: #92Overall Score: 30.24Snowfall Rate: 73Climate Rank: 133
CanvaMonroe County Overall Rank In America: #48Overall Score: 37.93Snowfall Rate: 41Climate Rank:88
CanvaAlbany CountyOverall Rank In America: #30Overall Score: 42.16Snowfall Rate: 27Climate Rank:74
CanvaBroome County Overall Rank In America: #22Overall Score: 45.75Snowfall Rate: 19Climate Rank:70
CanvaOnondaga CountyOverall Rank In America: #18Overall Score: 47.19Snowfall Rate: 22Climate Rank:79
CanvaErie CountyOverall Rank In America: #6Overall Score: 54.51Snowfall Rate: 4Climate Rank:89
Keep Reading:
5 Snowiest Days In New York State History5 Snowiest Days In New York State HistoryHere are the Top 5 snowiest days in New York State history. Gallery Credit: Dave fields Photo Credit: TSM5 Snowiest Days In New York State History42.5 inches – Apalachin, New York – December 17th, 2020
Photo Credit: TSM5 Snowiest Days In New York State History45 inches – Watertown International Airport, December 10th, 1995
Photo Credit: TSM5 Snowiest Days In New York State History47.5 inches – Highmarket, New York January 6th, 1988
Photo Credit: TSM5 Snowiest Days In New York State History47.5 inches – East Aurora, New York November 20th, 2014
Photo Credit: TSM5 Snowiest Days In New York State History50 inches – Camden, New York – February 1st, 1966