Cold front to bring freezing temperatures and lake-effect snow to New York

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- It's time to break out your winter jackets.

A major cold front is expected to hit the region early next week, leading to daytime temperatures dropping into the 40s and nighttime temperatures hovering around freezing.

Despite the significant drop in temperature, PIX11 meteorologist Mike Masco predicts that the New York City metropolitan area will not see snow.

Residents in the northern part of New York may not be as fortunate, as lake-effect snow could be seen in the Catskills region.

Communities downwind of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie could see their first measurable snow of the season as early as this weekend, with localized bursts of heavier snow likely through early next week. 

Although the National Weather Service does not currently predict snow in the extended forecast for the Capital Region, residents should remain vigilant, as low temperatures are expected to drop to around 27 degrees by Monday night.

The extended forecast for the NYC area shows the cold front will be short-lived as temperatures climb back near 50 degrees by Wednesday.

New Yorkers seeking shelter on cold nights should watch for a Code Blue. During a Code Blue, shelters are available to anyone who is reasonably believed to be homeless. Drop-in centers will also be open 24 hours per day when a Code Blue is in effect.