Honestly, if you're stepping outside in Brooklyn right now, the number on your weather app is lying to you.
It says 22°F. That sounds cold, sure. But the reality hitting your face the second you leave your apartment is closer to 10°F. That's the "feels like" temperature, and in this borough, that's the only number that actually matters.
What’s Happening Outside Right Now?
It's currently a clear night across Brooklyn, which usually means the heat is escaping straight into the atmosphere. No cloud cover to act as a blanket. We’ve got a steady 13 mph wind coming out of the west.
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That wind is the culprit.
Humidity is sitting at 44%, so it's that crisp, dry cold that makes your knuckles crack if you forget your lotion. If you're looking at the sky, it's pitch black and beautiful, but don't let the lack of clouds fool you into thinking it's a mild winter night.
Brooklyn New York Weather Now: The Friday Breakdown
If you're planning your Friday, January 16, here is the raw data you need to survive.
Today is going to be partly sunny, which is basically New York code for "don't get your hopes up." We’re looking at a high of 35°F. By the time the sun goes down, we’re dropping right back to that 22°F baseline.
The wind isn't going anywhere.
It’s staying steady at 13 mph from the west. If you’re walking down a narrow street in Brooklyn Heights or Bedford-Stuyvesant, those buildings act like a wind tunnel. That 13 mph can feel a lot sharper when it’s funneled between brownstones.
Will it Snow?
There’s a tiny 10% chance of snow during the day. Honestly? You probably won't see much more than a stray flake or two.
Tonight is a different story.
The chance of precipitation jumps to 25% as it gets cloudy. If we do get something, it'll be light snow. It’s the kind of stuff that looks pretty under the streetlights but probably won't cause a massive headache for the morning commute unless the temperature takes a weird dive.
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How to Actually Dress for This
Most people make the mistake of wearing one giant coat. Don't do that.
- The Base Layer: You need something tight to the skin. A thermal or even a tight gym shirt.
- The Insulation: A wool sweater or a fleece. This is what actually keeps the 22-degree air away from your body.
- The Shell: Since the wind is the main character today, you need a windbreaker or a heavy parka. If the wind can't get through your clothes, that 10°F feels-like temperature won't bother you as much.
UV index is a big fat 0 right now (it's night, after all) and only hits a 2 during the day. You don't need the sunscreen today, but you definitely need the lip balm.
Real Talk on the Forecast
Is this normal? Yeah, pretty much. January in Brooklyn is notoriously "bitter." Historically, the average high is around 37°F, so we’re right on the money today at 35°F.
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The humidity is actually lower than the usual 80% range we see in the summer, which is why your skin feels so parched. When the humidity drops to 35% (which is the forecast for later today), the air literally sucks the moisture out of you.
If you have a dog, keep the walks short. Their paws hit that cold concrete, and with the wind chill, they feel the "real" temperature a lot faster than we do in our boots.
Next Steps for Your Day:
Check your window seals for drafts before the sun goes down, as that 13 mph west wind will find every crack in an old Brooklyn window. If you're heading out for dinner tonight, grab the heavy gloves; the 25% chance of late-night snow might just be enough to make the sidewalks slippery by the time you're heading home.