Honestly, if you were planning a casual Sunday stroll through Central Park, you might want to grab the heavy-duty boots. New York City is currently staring down its first real accumulating snow of 2026. After a Saturday that teased us with a messy mix of rain and flakes, the National Weather Service has officially pulled the trigger on a Winter Weather Advisory. It kicks in at 7:00 a.m. Sunday and runs straight through 8:00 p.m.
It’s been a weird winter so far, hasn't it? We’ve had these odd spikes in temperature, but the 5 day forecast for New York shows the city is finally settling into a classic, bone-chilling January groove.
The Immediate Outlook: Snow Sunday and the Deep Freeze
Sunday is the big focus. According to NYC Emergency Management, we’re looking at a fast-moving system that’s basically a rite of passage for January in the city. The snow is expected to start falling as early as 5:00 a.m. If you’re in eastern Queens or southeast Brooklyn, you might see a bit more than your friends in Manhattan—think 2 to 4 inches in those pockets, while the rest of the city stays closer to the 1 to 3-inch range.
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What’s kinda interesting is the timing. The heaviest bands are hitting between 8:00 a.m. and noon, and then again from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. If you’re commuting or traveling back from a long weekend, it's going to be slick. The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has already issued a "Snow Alert," which is their higher-level notification. They’ve got the salt spreaders out and plows are on standby for any neighborhood that hits that 2-inch mark.
Breaking Down the Next 5 Days
By Monday, the snow is a memory, but the cold is very, very real.
- Sunday, Jan 18: 100% chance of snow. High of 34°F, dropping to a low of 25°F.
- Monday, Jan 19: Partly sunny but much colder. Highs struggle to reach 32°F, with lows dipping into the mid-teens (around 18°F).
- Tuesday, Jan 20: This is when the Arctic air really anchors itself. We're looking at a high of maybe 22°F and a low that could hit single digits in the suburbs and around 8°F in the city.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: Sunny but brutally cold. High of 29°F.
- Thursday, Jan 22: A slight "warm-up" to 33°F, though it’ll still feel like a freezer.
Basically, the "mild" part of January is over.
What Most People Get Wrong About NYC Snow
Everyone thinks the "high temperature" tells the whole story. It doesn't. On Sunday, the high is 34°F, which is technically above freezing. You'd think that means melting, right? Not really. Because the ground has been chilled by recent cold snaps, that snow is going to stick to the grass and shaded areas immediately.
Also, watch out for the "Code Blue." Whenever temperatures drop below freezing, the city goes into overdrive to protect the vulnerable. If you see someone outside who looks like they’re struggling in the cold, call 311. No one is denied shelter during a Code Blue. It's one of those "New York looking out for New Yorkers" things that actually works.
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Surviving the 5 Day Forecast for New York
If you're living through this week, here is the non-corporate, real-talk advice for staying sane.
- Check your heat. Landlords are legally required to keep apartments at 68°F during the day if it’s below 55°F outside. If you're shivering in your own living room, start making those 311 reports early.
- Salt your sidewalk. If you own a brownstone or a shop, get out there. The slush from Sunday is going to turn into "black ice" by Monday morning when the temp drops to 18°F. That stuff is a trap.
- Layering is a science. It’s not about one big coat; it’s about the base layer. Tuesday’s 8°F low is no joke—wind chills will make it feel like sub-zero.
The city feels different when it’s under a blanket of white, even if it’s just a couple of inches. It’s quieter for about an hour before the taxis turn it all into gray slush. Enjoy the view while it lasts, but keep the shovel handy.
Next Steps for New Yorkers:
Download the Notify NYC app to get real-time updates on bridge and tunnel delays during Sunday’s snow. If you’re traveling on Monday, check the MTA status before you head to the subway, as the deep freeze following the snow often causes signal issues and track icing. Stay warm and keep an eye on your neighbors.