Winter has officially arrived in New York with the first significant snowfall of the season, giving the city a postcard setting. After days of intense cold, a disturbance covered the Big Apple in a white blanket, surprising residents and tourists. We haven’t seen this much snow this early in the season since 2018, according to data released by the National Weather Service.
The final push of this snow band is moving through NYC right now and is expected to wrap up late this morning for most of the region. Hazardous and slick road conditions are expected through this afternoon so drive slowly and use caution! #NYwx #CTwx #NJwx pic.twitter.com/zox27V7Ug4
— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) December 14, 2025
Sunday snow day in New York City #nyc #newyork #NewYorkCity #snow pic.twitter.com/ZFBxsguk7t
— Gary Hershorn (@GaryHershorn) December 14, 2025
Central Park becomes the heart of entertainment
The symbolic place of this winter day was Central Park, transformed into a huge outdoor playground. Families, children and visitors flocked to the hills to improvise sled rides, slides on the snow and walks among the whitewashed trees. In just a few hours, the park was filled with laughter, photographs and moments of relaxation, confirming its role as a green refuge even in the coldest months.
Incredibly beautiful snowy day in Central Park, New York City pic.twitter.com/xYpY7fkJHH
— New York City Kopp (@NYCkopp) December 14, 2025
Widespread snow and temperatures below zero
The flakes began to fall over the weekend, accumulating especially in the central areas of Manhattan, where about 3 centimeters of snow were recorded. Outside the urban center, such as on Staten Island and Long Island, accumulations were more substantial, exceeding 18 centimeters in some places. Temperatures remained cold, with an average of -2 degrees and nighttime peaks reaching -7 degrees, making the atmosphere even more wintry.
Snow in the Northeastern United States
The disruption didn’t just affect New York. Cities such as Philadelphia and Boston were also affected by snowfall, while in neighboring areas such as New Jersey accumulations of more than 15 centimeters were recorded. Local authorities had prepared in advance, spreading salt on the roads to limit the formation of ice and ensure greater safety.
Good morning, snow lovers in Philadelphia pic.twitter.com/NaqebkmIQH
— James (@JamesPhl96) December 14, 2025
OFFICIAL: Boston has recorded its first measurable snow of the season! Despite the cold, it comes over two weeks later than average… pic.twitter.com/JkmxeEGfe7
— Tucker Antico (@tuckerweather) December 14, 2025
Walks, photos and Christmas magic
Many residents took advantage of the snow for long walks, to take their dogs to the park or simply to capture whitewashed streets and neighborhoods. Areas such as Brooklyn offered suggestive views, while the Christmas atmosphere was amplified by the presence of the Rockefeller Center tree, under which many indulged in ice skating.
New York is a winter wonderland pic.twitter.com/48njCQawdg
— David Haber (@dhaber) December 14, 2025
Inconveniences and delays in transport
Alongside the magic, there was no shortage of inconveniences. Air traffic suffered severe slowdowns: JFK, LaGuardia and Newark airports recorded delays of up to six hours and several cancellations, creating difficulties especially for those traveling ahead of the holidays. Despite this, the city reacted with its usual spirit, welcoming the snow as a spectacle to be experienced.
The clouds have subsided and the sun is out after the first snow here in Queens NY this year. A whopping 3 inches of
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Enough to make a mini snowman
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Be safe and take it easy if you have to go out and shovel
pic.twitter.com/JUYoEisziZ
— Dante (@MobyAteAhab) December 14, 2025
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