A day after the first snowflakes of the year fell on parts of the tri-state, wet and cold weather lingered, creating the potential for dangerous black ice Tuesday night.
In some areas, like Hopatcong, New Jersey, residents awoke Tuesday to a white crust that had enveloped yards and sidewalks. New York City saw sleet and rain overnight, a mucky mix that stretched into the Hudson Valley and areas north and west of the city through the morning.
Despite the wintry wet weather earlier in the day, it was mostly dry when rush hour kicked off in the late afternoon. It will be cloudy and chilly Tuesday night, with temperatures dropping from the 40s into the mid 30s, Storm Team 4 says.
Patchy black ice and fog could form in areas north and west of New York City overnight as cold air from New England eases southward, bringing temps below freezing in areas north and west of the city. The National Weather Service warned drivers to be careful on roads after 8 p.m., when the black ice is most likely to form.
Parts of Connecticut, including Fairfield, New Haven and New London, and Middlesex County, may see the worst black ice, according to Storm Team 4. Elevated roadways and uncleared roads are the most vulnerable.
Despite the freezing temperatures north of New York City, the mercury still hasn't dropped below freezing in Central Park and won't until January. It's the first time this has happened since city records began in 1869, Storm Team 4 says. Average temperatures are still above normal in the five boroughs.
A low pressure system will move into the tri-state area on Wednesday, bringing with it the chance of showers by late afternoon. The likelihood of rain will increase in the evening, when lows will be in the high 40s.
An early morning shower is possible on New Year's Eve, but it should be dry for revelers partying in Times Square Thursday afternoon and night. It will be blustery and mild most of the day, with highs in the low 50s, Storm Team 4 says.
Local
A cool-down begins Friday, the first day of 2016. It is forecast to be partly sunny and windy throughout the day. Highs will be in the low-to-mid 40s.
Colder temperatures in the 30s and low 40s will continue over the weekend under partly cloudy skies. Flurries are possible north and west of the city, but the rest of the tri-state should be dry.
It will be sunny and cold the first week of the year. Highs are expected to be in the low-to-mid 40s on Monday and Tuesday.
with highs in the low-to-mid 40s on Monday and Tuesday.
