New Yorkers can finally unclench their jaws…the deep freeze is officially over (at least for now).
After a punishing weekend that saw temperatures plunge to levels not seen in three years, the Arctic grip on the city is loosening.
According to meteorologists, NYC is facing a massive temperature swing, with highs expected to jump roughly 35 degrees from Sunday morning’s lows by midweek.
While Monday remains brisk, officials confirm that the life-threatening cold that triggered emergency protocols across the city have passed, as of 10 am on Monday.
Here is what you need to know about the warmup and what to expect for your commute this week.
From “Colder than Antarctica” to the 40s
The relief finally comes after a brutal 48 hours.
On Sunday morning, Central Park recorded a low of 3°F, the coldest temperature recorded in the city since February 2023 according to CBS News.
The extreme conditions prompted Mayor Mamdani’s office to issue severe weather advisories, noting over the weekend that parts of the tri-state area were registering temperatures colder than parts of Antarctica.
A “Code Blue” remains in effect to ensure homeless New Yorkers have access to shelter.
However, the jet stream is shifting and a warm front will begin pushing into the area on Tuesday, breaking the polar vortex’s hold.
The forecast: a messy transition
Don’t put away the heavy coat just yet because today, Monday will remain cold with highs struggling to hit freezing.
The real shift occurs Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
As the warmer air collides with the departing cold front, New Yorkers should prepare for a messy transition.
Forecasters warn of a potential wintry mix of snow changing over to rain during the Tuesday evening commute before temperatures rise significantly overnight.
By Wednesday afternoon, the city is projected to break the 40°F mark—a massive thermal swing from the weekend’s single digits.