After months of freezing temperatures, snow, and rain, New Yorkers are finally getting a taste of spring. The Weather Channel has reported that temperatures will rise significantly this week, bringing much-needed warmth to the city. Residents of the five boroughs can expect highs reaching 65 degrees, a welcome change after a long and harsh winter.
Temperature Spike This Week
Tuesday will see a temperature spike of up to 65 degrees, accompanied by winds of up to 10 mph. Throughout the week, temperatures are expected to fluctuate between the low 50s and high 60s, with Thursday reaching a high of 66 degrees. Many New Yorkers are thrilled about the warmer weather and have taken to social media to express their excitement—or frustration about the timing.
One person joked, “Of course, New York wants to have nice weather right after I waited outside for hours in freezing cold for an inhaler!” Another added, “The weather in New York is getting warmer—things are about to pop off!”
A Stark Contrast to the Blizzard of 1888
This week’s rising temperatures come exactly 137 years after one of the worst snowstorms in New York’s history. The Great Blizzard of 1888 brought life in the city to a standstill, covering areas like Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and western New England with 30 to 50 inches of snow.
The storm, which lasted four days, produced strong winds and heavy snowfall, leaving Central Park buried under 21 inches of snow. At that time, New York lacked modern snowplows, an underground subway system, and buried electrical wires, making recovery efforts extremely difficult.
The Deadly Impact of the 1888 Storm
The blizzard caused the deaths of approximately 400 people. Travel in and around the city was nearly impossible as telegraph lines failed, elevated train lines were disabled, and multiple trains became stranded. A train derailment due to the storm killed several passengers and crew members.
Many victims were found buried in massive snowdrifts along city sidewalks. One of the storm’s most notable casualties was Senator Roscoe Conkling, a prominent New York Republican who died from exposure while attempting to walk from his Wall Street office to the New York Club on Madison Square.
Then vs. Now: How New York Handles Extreme Weather
While extreme winter weather still impacts New York today, modern infrastructure and technology help the city recover much faster than in 1888. This week’s warm temperatures are a welcome reminder that spring is around the corner. Though New York winters can be unpredictable, at least for now, residents can enjoy a break from the cold and embrace the sunshine.
