According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, snowfall is expected to return to the New York City metropolitan area on Friday, accompanied by frigid temperatures that will persist into the weekend. The region should prepare for 2 to 3 inches of snowfall on Friday morning, just days after Central Park broke its 701-day drought of measurable snow with 1.7 inches on Tuesday.

A blast of arctic air will bring cold temperatures throughout the weekend. Meteorologist James Tomasini of the National Weather Service predicts that temperatures on Friday night and Saturday evening will hover in the upper teens. Saturday is expected to be the coldest day, with highs only reaching the mid 20s. Additionally, wind chill values are anticipated to be in the single digits.

The snow is expected to arrive before daybreak on Friday, with light flurries possibly beginning as early as 4 a.m. However, the likelihood of snowfall increases after 7 or 8 a.m., although it is expected to miss most of the morning commuter rush.

In anticipation of possible travel delays, NYC Emergency Management has issued a travel advisory for Friday. The advisory cautions about the potential impacts to the evening commute, including snow- and slush-covered roads and reduced visibility. To facilitate snow removal, alternate side parking has been suspended for Friday, though meters will still be in effect.

The heaviest snowfall is expected between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Friday, gradually tapering off as the evening approaches. Meteorologist James Tomasini describes this as another light snowfall event.

Amidst the cold weather, the city has activated Code Blue operations multiple times this week. Code Blue ensures that every homeless person is provided with shelter when temperatures drop below freezing between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m. Another Code Blue operation will be active from Thursday night into Friday morning.

Looking ahead, Tomasini projects a slow warming trend after Saturday, leading to a warmer week. By Sunday, temperatures are expected to reach the lower 30s, followed by the mid to upper 30s on Monday, and even lower 40s on Tuesday and Wednesday.