NYC weather: Winter storm brings rain to the city, plowable snow north and west — Hudson Valley and NW NJ favored for higher totals

Bassyonni

ago 45 minutes

NYC weather

A fast-moving coastal system is sweeping through the tri-state today (Tuesday, December 2), delivering a messy mix: heavy rain and wind for much of New York City, with accumulating snow developing north and west of the five boroughs. Travel will be slow through the evening commute, and elevations along and north of I-84 stand the best chance for several inches of wet snow.

Weather today: timing, rain–snow line, and peak impacts

Onset: Pre-dawn to mid-morning from southwest to northeast.
Peak: Late morning through mid-afternoon, tapering from west to east late afternoon into evening.
Rain–snow line: Near the city and immediate suburbs it wobbles, favoring all rain for NYC/Long Island, a wintry mix for parts of NE NJ, lower Hudson Valley, and interior CT, and mostly snow farther north/west and in higher terrain.
Wind: Gusts 25–40 mph near the coast; lower inland.
Temperatures: Mid-30s to low-40s in the city/coast, low-mid 30s inland and higher terrain.

Bottom line: Expect a soaking rain in the five boroughs, slushy coatings possible on the city’s fringes; plowable snow likely from the higher terrain of NW New Jersey into the mid/upper Hudson Valley and Catskills.

Snow storm weather forecast: regional ranges

These are the best-estimate ranges for this storm; localized bands may produce pockets above or below:

NYC (all boroughs) & most of Long Island: Rain; a slushy coating to 0.5" on the farthest inland/highest spots if colder air noses in late.
NE New Jersey (Bergen/Essex/Passaic/Morris/Sussex/Warren): 1"–6", lowest toward the Turnpike corridor, highest in NW hills.
Lower Hudson Valley (Rockland/Westchester/Putnam/SE Orange): Coating–3"; highest north of I-287 and into elevated zones.
I-84 corridor & north (Orange north/west, Dutchess, Ulster, Sullivan): 3"–6", with 4"–8" possible in the Catskills and favored elevations.
Interior CT: 1"–4", higher where elevation and heavier bands overlap.

Road impacts will vary sharply over short distances: wet roads and ponding where it’s rain; quickly slushy to snow-covered on secondary and untreated surfaces where snow dominates.

Hudson Valley weather: why totals jump with elevation

This is a classic early-season setup where marginal surface temperatures near 32–35°F and dynamic cooling under heavier precipitation dictate outcomes. Elevation and distance from the marine layer allow snow to accumulate efficiently north of the city. If the heaviest banding parks over the I-84 corridor, totals can tick toward the upper ends listed, while any late-day changeover to rain would cut them back.

Winter storm hazards beyond snowfall

Heavy rain & drainage issues (city/coast): 1–2 inches of rain may cause ponding on highways and standing water in poor drainage spots.
Gusty onshore winds: Tree limbs may come down where soils are saturated; isolated outages possible, mainly along the coast.
Visibility: Snow bursts inland can drop visibility below a half-mile at times.
Coastal concerns: Minor splash-over at high tide cannot be ruled out for south- and east-facing shores.

School closings and commuting tips

Hudson Valley school closings: Districts north of I-84 are most likely to announce delays/early dismissals; monitor district alerts.
Transit: Expect slower bus service and reduced visibility across bridges/parkways; allow extra time for the evening commute.
Driving inland: If you live above ~600–800 feet or travel the Thruway/I-84, plan for snow-covered stretches during the afternoon.

The next 48 hours: what’s after the winter storm

Tonight: Precipitation tapers; temperatures hover near freezing inland with slick spots on untreated roads/sidewalks.
Wednesday: Blustery and colder; leftover flurries north/west, breaks of sun near the city.
Late week: Seasonable chill. Another chance for light wintry precipitation could emerge in the extended outlook, but confidence is low; updates to follow as signals firm up.

Key FAQs: is it going to snow in New York City today?

NYC proper: Mostly rain; a brief wet mix can’t be ruled out in the outer borough hills late, but significant accumulation in the city is unlikely.
Near NYC (NE NJ, lower Hudson Valley): Yes—a wintry mix to wet snow at times, with higher totals north and west.
Hudson Valley: Yes—accumulating snow, especially 3"–6" north of I-84 and more in the Catskills.
“Bomb cyclone” concern? No. This system does not meet that threshold; it’s a typical coastal winter storm with a sharp rain–snow gradient.

What to watch for updates

Shifts of 10–20 miles in the rain–snow line can swing totals by a few inches near the mix zone.
Narrow deformation bands may briefly enhance snowfall inland.
Evening refreeze potential on untreated surfaces where snow fell.

Stay weather-aware today, especially if your plans take you from the city into higher terrain north and west—conditions will look very different over a short drive.