Although the meteorological spring season began a month ago, winter is making a brief comeback with heavy snow in the forecast for some areas.
On Thursday, temperatures soared into the mid 80s across the region. Residents turned on their air conditioners, began mowing their lawns, and some even enjoyed outings on their boats or kayaks. Severe thunderstorms rocked the area at sunset, similar to those seen during the summertime.
Just 72 hours later, several rounds of snow showers fell over the Newburgh area this afternoon while children searched for their Easter eggs.
Tonight, temperatures are expected to drop into the upper 20s, possibly killing any outdoor vegetation planted during the recently warm weather.
Tomorrow night, a potent Nor’easter is expected to take aim at New York State. While precipitation is currently expected to remain all rain across Orange County, those in Sullivan and western Ulster Counties are forecast to receive nearly a foot of snow.
Precipitation in Sullivan and western Ulster Counties will start as a rain/snow mix tomorrow afternoon before transitioning to all snow tomorrow night, tapering off on Tuesday morning. Snow could be heavy at times. The snow is expected to be wet and heavy, which will cause trees and power limbs to fall. Power outages are already projected in areas receiving the most significant amounts. The Tuesday morning commute will be impacted and travel is forecast to be “very difficult”.
For Sullivan County, the National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued a Winter Storm Watch, effective Monday evening through Tuesday morning. Up to one foot of heavy, wet snow is forecast. The higher terrains will see the most significant snowfalls, while the valleys of Sullivan County will receive less.
For western Ulster County, the National Weather Service in Albany has issued a Winter Storm Watch, effective Monday evening through Tuesday afternoon. Total snow accumulations of 5-10 inches, with locally higher amounts, is anticipated.
For Orange County, over one inch of rain is possible Monday night into Tuesday with temperatures only dropping to the upper 30s.
Temperatures rising into the 80s and then dropping below freezing is not completely rare for the Newburgh area in April. According to data collected at Vails Gate Tower, temperatures in April 2016 ranged from 20.7 degrees to 84.4 degrees. In April 2013, Vails Gate Tower reached 92.3 degrees, but only dropped as low as 38.3 degrees.
As of today, the average April 2022 temperature so far is 52.7 degrees. This is on par with average April temperatures over the last 10 years, which ranged from 44.6 degrees in 2018 to 66.5 degrees in 2013.
