New York’s Winter Could Be Mild But Very Dangerous

A warmer-than-normal winter sounds great, but meteorologists warn New Yorkers shouldn't get too comfortable. The forecast comes with a major catch.

Before you get too excited about the prospect of a mild winter, there's something you need to know.

New York Could Be In For A Milder Winter. But There's A Catch.

silhouette of man in snow storm

Some forecasters are pointing towards warmer-than-average temperatures and less consistent snowfall for New York this winter.

But meteorologists warn that a milder winter doesn't mean an easier one. In fact, it could mean the exact opposite.

A warmer winter sets up the conditions for volatile, explosive storm systems that can drop massive amounts of snow or ice in a very short period of time.

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Instead of steady, manageable cold and light snowfall spread across the season, New York could face fewer storms overall but ones that hit harder and faster when they do arrive.

This means Nor'easters, blizzards, and ice storms are possible.

What To Expect In New York

snow covered trees beside fence

Where you live in New York matters a lot when it comes to how this winter plays out.

Downstate, including New York City and Long Island, temperatures are likely to stay warm enough to keep total snowfall numbers relatively low for most of the season.

But when storms do break through, they tend to be coastal Nor'easters loaded with high winds, flooding, and dangerous rain-to-snow transitions that create slushy, icy roads.

Upstate and Central New York tell a different story. Even during a milder winter, temperatures inland stay cold enough to turn all that extra atmospheric moisture into serious snowfall.

An active northern jet stream means lake-effect snow events and sharp cold snaps could be intense this season for regions like Western New York and the Southern Tier.

vehicles covered in snow

A milder winter forecast for New York doesn't mean you can put away the snow shovel and forget about your winter emergency kit.

It means you need to be ready for fewer storms overall but nastier ones when they arrive.