Record Low Temperatures Swept Across New York

Temperatures dropped into the 20s and 30s across western and central New York on Friday morning.

Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Current Conditions

Frost-coated golden meadow under a heavy, grey, overcast sky in rural New York. — Record-breaking cold temperatures swept across western and central New York on Friday morning, as seventeen counties reported readings dropping into the 20s and 30s. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Record-breaking cold arrived across New York as temperatures plummeted into the 20s and 30s. Seventeen counties reported temperatures below 40 degrees, marking a significant early-season shift in conditions.

Why it matters

These widespread low temperatures indicate an unseasonable change in weather patterns for the region. The data, captured by localized weather stations, helps illustrate the rapid onset of colder air across the western and central parts of the state.

A low of 27 degrees was recorded near Alfred Station in Allegany County, the lowest in the region. Other communities including Honeoye Falls and Walworth hit 34 degrees, while North Chili and East Bloomfield reached 37 degrees.

The players

National Weather Service

This federal agency is responsible for providing weather forecasts and hazard warnings for the United States.

The details

Weather stations and volunteer observers reported the freezing readings across western and central New York. The cold front impacted communities spanning 17 counties, with localized reports showing temperatures as high as 38 degrees in Canandaigua and Farmington.

Temperatures dropped across western and central New York on Friday, September 25, 2026.
The lowest temperature of 27 degrees occurred at 7 a.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026.

Seasonal Patterns

Comparing these readings against the National Weather Service's local temperature records provides a necessary baseline for assessing the severity of this early-season drop. This event updates the historical seasonal record by establishing new low-temperature benchmarks for late September.

Residents in the affected 17 counties should protect sensitive outdoor plants and vegetation from freezing conditions. Motorists should also remain aware of potential frost on surfaces during early morning commutes.

The takeaway

Sudden cold snaps in September require immediate adjustments for both household preparedness and local agricultural management. Monitoring local weather station reports is the best way to track how quickly these temperatures move through the area.