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Polar Vortex Delays Snow Melt in NYC and NJ

2/4/2026

Center

Cold Weather Delays Snow

Persistent cold in New York City and New Jersey delays snow melt, with highs near 32 degrees expected early next week.
AccuWeather forecasts light snow on February 3 and 6, but significant accumulation is unlikely.
Meteorologist Dan Pydynowski notes that sunny days have not melted snow due to consistently low air temperatures.
The polar vortex is expected to bring colder air this weekend, delaying snow clearance.

Left

Eckerson Advocates Sneckdowns

A New York City snowstorm left fifteen inches of snow, prompting the use of over two thousand snowplows and twelve thousand miles of sidewalk shoveling.
The snow created sneckdowns—areas where snow piles on unused street space, forming natural curb extensions, popularized by urbanist Clarence Eckerson.
Eckerson believes these spaces could be repurposed for better urban use.
Despite shoulder surgery, he continues documenting sneckdowns and their implications for urban maintenance responsibilities.

History

Historical Context

The November 2014 North American cold wave, triggered by a bomb cyclone linked to Typhoon Nuri, brought extreme cold and heavy snowfall across the Eastern United States. New York City recorded over 15 inches of snow, prompting the use of 2,000 snowplows. This event highlighted ongoing challenges in urban planning and maintenance, as persistent cold temperatures hindered snow melt and infrastructure management.

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Cold Weather Delays Snow

Persistent cold in New York City and New Jersey delays snow melt, with highs near 32 degrees expected early next week.
AccuWeather forecasts light snow on February 3 and 6, but significant accumulation is unlikely.
Meteorologist Dan Pydynowski notes that sunny days have not melted snow due to consistently low air temperatures.
The polar vortex is expected to bring colder air this weekend, delaying snow clearance.

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