Archive · 12 Nov 2025
NYC Gets First Snow Of Season Amid Polar Vortex Arctic Blast
Imagine winter decided to visit New York City a bit early this year!
A big blast of super cold air from a place called the polar vortex came down from Canada.
This made the city feel much colder than usual, like it was already the middle of winter, even though it's still autumn.
While the city saw some light snow flurries, not much snow actually stuck to the ground.
But in other places nearby, like around the Great Lakes, it snowed a lot more!
The cold air also brought strong winds.
Officials told everyone in the city to be careful because roads and sidewalks might get icy, and to wear warm clothes.
The really cold weather is expected to warm up a bit by the middle of the week.
New York City experienced its first snow of the season on Tuesday.
A powerful polar vortex brought an arctic blast, causing temperatures to feel like mid-January.
Light snow flurries were observed in parts of NYC, but no significant accumulation was recorded.
Strong winds up to 40 mph were recorded, especially near waterfronts.
Heavier snow accumulations are expected in the Great Lakes region and interior Northeast.
- Who
- The National Weather Service and city emergency management officials
- What
- Experienced the season's first snow and an arctic blast bringing significantly colder temperatures and strong winds.
- When
- Tuesday morning
- Where
- New York City, particularly Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, as well as the broader eastern half of the United States.
- Why
- A powerful polar vortex originating from northern Canada has moved southward due to a strong jet stream dip, bringing frigid air.
- Event
- First Snowfall of the Season
- Date
- Tuesday
- Affected Areas
- New York City (Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn), Eastern US, Great Lakes region
- Temperature Feel
- Mid-January-like (low 40s with wind chills 25-35 degrees)
- Wind Speeds
- Up to 40 mph gusts