Syracuse has this reputation for being a frozen tundra, a place where the sun goes to hide for six months while the snow piles up to the second-story windows. Honestly, it’s not always that dramatic, but today? Today is basically the poster child for Central New York winters. If you stepped outside this morning, you probably felt that immediate "slap in the face" from the wind.
The Real Deal on Today's Weather Syracuse New York
Currently, we are sitting at a crisp 20°F. But let's be real—that number is a total lie. Because of a steady 13 mph wind coming straight out of the west, it actually feels like 8°F.
That is the kind of cold that finds the gap between your scarf and your chin. It’s biting. We’ve got light snow showers moving through, which is pretty much standard operating procedure for mid-January in the 315.
The humidity is hovering around 67%. While that might sound high, in this kind of cold, it just makes the air feel heavy and damp. You’ve probably noticed the sky looks like a giant grey wool blanket. That’s because the UV index is a flat zero. You won't be needing sunglasses for the glare, but you will definitely need them if the wind starts picking up the loose powder.
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What the Rest of the Day Looks Like
Don't expect a massive warmup. We are looking at a high of 28°F later today. It's an improvement, sure, but only technically.
The snow isn't going anywhere either. We have a 35% chance of snow showers continuing throughout the afternoon. It’s not a full-blown blizzard, but it’s enough to keep the roads "kinda" slick and your driveway looking like a powdered donut.
Tonight, the temperature is going to tank down to 13°F. With a 40% chance of snow showers overnight, don't be surprised if you wake up to a fresh dusting on your windshield tomorrow morning. The wind is staying consistent at 14 mph from the west, so that wind chill is going to stay in the single digits or even dip into the negatives once the sun goes down.
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Why the "Feels Like" Temperature Matters More
People always look at the thermometer and think, "20 degrees? I can handle that." Then they walk out in a light jacket and regret every life choice.
In Syracuse, the wind is the real enemy. Because we are so close to the Great Lakes, that western wind picks up moisture and speed. When it hits your skin, it pulls heat away way faster than still air would. An 8-degree wind chill means exposed skin can start to feel the effects of frostnip way faster than you’d think, especially if you're waiting for the bus or clearing off your car.
Basically, if you’re heading out to Destiny USA or just grabbing a coffee downtown, you’ve got to layer up.
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- Base layer: Something moisture-wicking so you don't get "the chills" if you sweat while shoveling.
- Mid layer: A fleece or a heavy sweater to trap the heat.
- Outer shell: Something that actually blocks the wind. If the wind gets through your coat, those other layers don't matter.
Driving and Visibility Concerns
The visibility right now isn't terrible, but these light snow showers can be deceptive. One minute it’s clear, and the next, a gust of wind catches some lake-effect flurries and you're in a temporary whiteout.
The west wind means the north-south routes like I-81 can get some nasty crosswinds. If you’re driving a high-profile vehicle, keep both hands on the wheel. The roads are mostly "variable" right now—some spots are dry, others have that thin, invisible layer of black ice, especially on overpasses.
Honestly, just give yourself an extra ten minutes. It’s better to be late than to end up in a ditch on the side of the Thruway.
Actionable Next Steps for Syracusans
- Check your tires: If you haven't checked your tire pressure lately, do it today. Cold air makes the pressure drop, and you need all the traction you can get on these slick side streets.
- Salt the walk: Since the temp is dropping to 13°F tonight, any melt from this afternoon is going to turn into a skating rink by 8:00 PM. Get the salt down before the sun sets.
- Pet Safety: If it’s too cold for you to stand outside without a coat for five minutes, it’s too cold for your dog. Keep the walks short and watch out for salt on their paws.
- Windshield Fluid: Make sure you're topped off with the -20°F or -30°F rated stuff. The "summer" fluid will freeze right in the lines today.