You know how people always joke that Syracuse only has two seasons? Winter and construction. Honestly, though, if you’re planning to be out and about this Saturday and Sunday, you’ve gotta look past the memes. The weather in syracuse this weekend is doing that classic Central New York flip-flop where one day feels almost like a reprieve and the next is a sharp reminder of why we own heavy-duty ice scrapers.
Right now, it’s about 37°F outside. Southwest winds are kicking around at 10 mph, making it feel more like 31°F. It’s partly sunny, which is basically a gift in January, but don't get too comfortable. That sunshine is just the opening act for a weekend that's going to get a lot more "Syracuse-y" very quickly.
Saturday: The "Warm" Slush Fest
Today, Saturday, January 17, we are looking at a high of 38°F. That sounds decent, right? Well, the reality is a bit messier. We’ve got snow on the forecast for the daytime, but with temperatures hovering just above freezing, it’s likely going to be that heavy, wet stuff that turns into slush the second it hits the pavement.
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The chance of precipitation is sitting at 35% during the day. If you’re heading downtown to catch the Kids Dance! performance at the Syracuse Orchestra or planning to hit the Hunter Mountain tube park, just know the roads might be a little greasy.
Tonight, the low drops to 25°F. We’re expecting snow showers with a 25% chance of accumulation. This is where the "fun" starts. Anything that melted during the day is going to freeze solid. South winds at 10 mph aren't huge, but they'll keep that chill biting if you’re out late at Middle Ages Brewery for a show.
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Sunday: The Reality Check
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, is when the mercury really decides to take a dive. The high is only hitting 25°F. That’s a 13-degree drop from Saturday's peak.
It’s going to be a "gray day"—classic Syracuse cloudy.
The wind shifts to coming from the west at 7 mph. While the chance of snow is low (10% during the day, 20% at night), the cold is the real story here. If you’re heading to the JMA Wireless Dome to watch Syracuse host Stanford at 2 p.m., the walk from the parking garage is going to be a lot more brutal than it was on Saturday.
By Sunday night, we’re looking at a low of 17°F. Basically, if you aren't wearing wool socks, you’re doing it wrong.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Honestly, looking at the data, this weekend is a tale of two different winters.
- Humidity levels: Saturday is a damp 78%, while Sunday dries out to 58%. That dampness on Saturday makes the cold "sink" into your bones a bit more, even if the temperature is technically higher.
- UV Index: It’s a 1 today and a 0 tomorrow. You can leave the sunscreen in the drawer.
- Visibility: With snow showers expected off and on, keep an eye on those lake-effect bands. They can turn a clear drive on I-81 into a whiteout in about three minutes.
Making the Most of It
Despite the chill, there’s actually a ton to do. The Everson Museum is hosting a mending and upcycling workshop on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. It’s a pretty great way to stay warm and finally fix that sweater you’ve been ignoring.
If you’re more into the "embrace the cold" vibe, the horse-drawn sleigh rides at Highland Forest are usually running on weekends this time of year, weather permitting. Just check their status before you drive out there, because if the snow is too light or the ice is too thick, they might pause.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Saturday Prep: Dress in layers that can handle moisture. Since it’s 38°F with a 35% chance of snow, your outer layer needs to be water-resistant, or you’ll be soaked and shivering by noon.
- Sunday Strategy: This is the day for the heavy parka. With a high of 25°F and a low of 17°F, focus on wind protection.
- Home Maintenance: Since the temp is swinging from 38°F down to 17°F, make sure your driveway is salted before the Sunday freeze. That Saturday slush will turn into a skating rink overnight.
- Travel: Check the NYS 511 app if you're traveling toward Oswego or the Tug Hill area, as they often get hit much harder by the lake-effect snow than the city center.